28/11/2025
; It was a pleasure and honor to have our Vice President speaking at the 2025 DPMC conference earlier this week on the panel ‘Market Outlook - Trade Flows, Tokenisation and Tariffs’ with Michael DiRienzo, President & CEO The Silver Institute, Dr. Fahmi Iskander, Chief Investment Officer, O Gold, Andrew Naylor, Head of Middle East and Public Policy World Gold Council and Mohammad Ayyob, General Manager, SAM Precious Metal - moderated by the GoldFather Jeffery Rhodes, Chief Executive Officer, Goldstrom Advisory.
Africa’s early entrance into tokenized and fractional gold was birthed out of necessity: the demands of the retail market hidden in plain sight. The recent participation by commercial institutions has been a solution around tariffs and barriers for African financial institutions’ accessing of LBMA gold. Africa has been on the frontier of embracing digital banking and financial innovations for financial inclusion. It has continued this trajectory by embracing the future of tokenized gold.
Africa attributes for about 30% of the global gold production and its Central Banks have begun growing their gold reserves through national gold buying programs. With the growth of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aimed at boosting intra-African trade by eliminating tariffs and non-tariff barriers, it is critical for Africa to be a part of the global conversation about the future of precious metals.
We especially want to appreciate Sudheesh Nambiath and the DPMC for recognizing the importance of highlighting Africa’s accomplishments in tokenization and encouraging before it had wider adoption to exhibit at the 2022 DPMC. We look forward to closer engagements with the DMCC and the UAE on gold innovation.
