The 2026 African Gold Project Pipeline: Interactive Map & Database
Africa produced more than 700 tonnes of gold in 2025 and now holds about 17% of the continent’s central‑bank reserves. With gold trading above $4,700/oz and forecasts reaching $5,000‑$6,300/oz by year‑end, every major exploration trend is accelerating. This page tracks the most significant exploration, feasibility, and producing assets across Africa.
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Quick‑reference pipeline table (public preview)
| Project | Country | Resource (Moz) | Grade (g/t) | Stage | Operator | 2026 Catalyst |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Odienné | Côte d’Ivoire | 1.38 | N/A | Resource definition | Awalé Resources | PEA Q3 2026 |
| Afema | Côte d’Ivoire | 4.65 | N/A | Pre‑feasibility | Turaco Gold | PFS due June 2026 |
| Doropo | Côte d’Ivoire | N/A | N/A | Construction | Resolute Mining | FID mid‑2026 |
| Kokoseb | Namibia | N/A | N/A | Development | WIA Gold | DFS H2 2026 |
| Douta | Senegal | 1.97 (M&I 1.7) | 1.0 (reserves) | Pre‑feasibility | Thor Explorations | Permitting & construction 2026 |
| Sanankoro | Mali | N/A | N/A | Stream‑financed | Cora Gold | Replace 50% of stream with debt |
| Bilboes | Zimbabwe | 1.75 (reserves) | N/A | Feasibility | Caledonia Mining | Funding & construction prep |
| Motapa | Zimbabwe | Maiden resource pending | N/A | Advanced exploration | Caledonia Mining | US$3.8M drill programme 2026 |
| Segilola | Nigeria | N/A | N/A | Production | Thor Explorations | $11M exploration infill |
Note: Full 12‑project table with IRR, NPV, and IR contacts available to subscribers.
West Africa – The engine of African gold
🇨🇮 Côte d’Ivoire: the new exploration frontier
Côte d’Ivoire has become Africa’s top destination for mining exploration investment. The government granted four new gold exploration permits to Australia’s Enegex in early 2026, adding to a portfolio of over 3,700 km². Major players like Barrick Gold have also secured permits, confirming the country’s pro‑mining stance.
Odienné project (Awalé Resources)
In May 2026, Awalé published its maiden mineral resource estimate of 1.38 Moz gold plus 93 kt copper across three deposits. A preliminary economic assessment (PEA) is scheduled for Q3 2026, followed by a pre‑feasibility study in late 2027. The company is fully funded for 15,000 m of drilling in 2026.
Investor note: Early‑stage project; PEA results will be key. No economic parameters yet.
Afema project (Turaco Gold)
Turaco Gold grew the Afema resource by 1.5 Moz in just 12 months to a total of 4.65 Moz. The PFS is due in June 2026, and five rigs are currently drilling to convert inferred resources into reserves. The company aims to deliver a DFS by early 2027.
Doropo project (Resolute Mining)
Resolute Mining plans a $170‑190 M capital investment in 2026 to build a 170 koz/year mine at Doropo. First gold is targeted for H1 2028, pending a final investment decision (FID) expected mid‑2026. All major permits are in place except the final mining convention.
Investor note: FID is not guaranteed; monitor Resolute’s funding position.
🇸🇳 Senegal: Douta expands its footprint
Thor Explorations’ Douta project already has a proven & probable reserve of 1.2 Moz (36.6 Mt @ 1.0 g/t). Recent drilling returned 4 m at 17 g/t in oxide and 7 m at 4.28 g/t in sulphide, extending the strike length. The company expects full permitting and construction start later this year. An $11 M exploration programme at its producing Segilola mine in Nigeria is also underway to extend mine life.
🇲🇱 Mali: Sanankoro stream financing de‑risks development
Cora Gold signed a US$120 M gold streaming agreement with Eagle Eye Asset Holdings in April 2026, fully funding the Sanankoro project through first gold. Under the terms, Eagle Eye can purchase 30.44% of gold produced at a price equal to just 20% of spot. The flexible structure allows Cora to replace up to 50% of the stream with traditional senior debt, preserving equity returns. A DFS is expected in 2026.
Investor note: Eagle Eye is not a conventional mining financier; investors should confirm that capital is fully committed and that the stream does not excessively dilute future cash flows.
Southern Africa – steady growth and new entrants
🇳🇦 Namibia: Kokoseb moves toward feasibility
WIA Gold is raising A$92 M ($65.8 M) to complete a DFS (expected H2 2026) and early project activities for its Kokoseb project. The study will update economic plans for a mine capable of producing up to 177 koz/year, with construction costs estimated at ~$358.8 M. The company also plans a 50,000 m drill programme to expand resources.
Investor note: The DFS is only a study; much larger financing is still required before construction can begin.
🇿🇼 Zimbabwe: Bilboes attracts institutional capital
Caledonia Mining’s Bilboes project has proven & probable reserves of 1.75 Moz. BlackRock increased its stake to 7.45%, making it the third‑largest shareholder. Caledonia has moved swiftly on a four‑part funding strategy: gold price hedging, convertible notes, interim facility, and project finance. The project is expected to transform Caledonia into a mid‑tier 5‑tonnes‑per‑year producer. In parallel, Caledonia is spending US$3.8 M on a 2026 exploration programme at the nearby Motapa project, aiming to deliver a maiden resource.
Investor catalyst calendar ( 2026)
- Q3 2026: PEA for Odienné (Awalé Resources)
- June 2026: PFS for Afema (Turaco Gold)
- Mid‑2026: FID for Doropo (Resolute Mining)
- H2 2026: DFS for Kokoseb (WIA Gold)
- 2026: Full permitting & construction start for Douta (Thor Explorations)
- 2026: US$3.8M exploration programme at Motapa (Caledonia)
- 2026: DFS & maiden reserve for Sanankoro (Cora Gold)
🔗 Internal resources
- How to Value a Gold Project in Africa – NI 43‑101, in‑situ valuation & discount rates
- Jurisdiction Deep Dive: Côte d’Ivoire – why juniors are flocking there
- Financing Options for African Gold Developers – from equity to gold loans & streams
- Top 20 Institutional Gold Investors in Africa – who is writing checks right now