Egypt’s official gold reserves have reached 128.6 metric tons as of mid-2025, according to the latest data from the World Gold Council, positioning the country as a major player in Africa’s gold reserve rankings. Egypt now ranks 31st globally and third on the African continent among countries with the largest central bank gold holdings.
This development comes amid a broader global shift toward gold accumulation by central banks, as countries seek to hedge against geopolitical risks, currency volatility, and inflationary pressures. The move is part of a strategic effort by many nations — both developed and emerging — to diversify foreign reserves and reduce overreliance on the US dollar.
Gold’s Rising Role in Egypt’s Financial Strategy
The World Gold Council’s report revealed that gold makes up approximately 29.2% of Egypt’s total foreign reserves, underscoring its critical role as a financial stabilizer. This proportion reflects the growing importance of the yellow metal in the Central Bank of Egypt’s reserve management strategy.
Amid global economic uncertainty and market fluctuations, gold remains a safe haven asset. Its value tends to remain stable — or even rise — during periods of crisis, making it a crucial component for central banks aiming to safeguard national wealth and monetary stability.
Global Context: Why Are Central Banks Buying More Gold?
The trend of increasing gold reserves has been gaining momentum in recent years. One of the key drivers has been rising skepticism toward the US dollar, particularly after a series of protectionist policies and trade tariffs initiated under former U.S. President Donald Trump. These measures sparked a wave of strategic reserve diversification, with countries seeking alternative stores of value and assets less susceptible to political and economic volatility.
This macroeconomic climate has significantly boosted demand for gold among central banks, pushing global gold reserves to their highest levels in decades.
Egypt’s Position in Africa and the World
With its nearly 129 tons of gold, Egypt now trails only Algeria and South Africa in Africa in terms of central bank gold holdings. The nation’s strategic location, coupled with its robust mining sector and growing macroeconomic resilience, supports its position as a regional financial hub.
The Central Bank of Egypt’s investment in gold is also aligned with broader governmental policies aimed at enhancing economic security, improving foreign reserve quality, and insulating the Egyptian economy from external shocks.
Outlook: Gold to Remain a Key Asset in Reserve Management
Experts anticipate that Egypt will continue to view gold as a core component of its foreign reserve portfolio, especially as the global economy navigates continued geopolitical tensions, shifts in monetary policy, and fluctuating commodity
