Business Daily How to reduce west Africa’s smuggling problem
21 snips
Apr 21, 2025 The podcast dives deep into West Africa's smuggling crisis, particularly focusing on the illegal movement of gold. It discusses how smuggling has become a vital livelihood for many while costing governments billions in lost revenues. Insights reveal the role of corruption among officials in perpetuating this trade. Suggestions for downgrading smuggling include promoting a well-functioning free trade area and enhancing governance. Additionally, the informal economy's impact on local communities is explored alongside the economic incentives behind smuggling.
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Childhood Fuel Smuggling Story
- Abdul recalls smuggling fuel with donkey carts as a child to rural Burkina Faso.
- Fuel is bought cheaply in Ghana and transported illegally where fuel stations are scarce in Burkina Faso.
Gold Smuggling Impacts Revenue
- About 10% of populations in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso work in artisanal gold mining.
- Vast majority of gold exports from the Sahel are undeclared, causing huge government revenue losses.
Unlicensed Gold Mining Realities
- Ibrahim operates an unlicensed gold mine in Ghana's northwest region with about 2,500 workers.
- He struggles to get a legal mining license due to officials demanding large bribes.