Earlier in March, reports showed that Ghana had begun exploring alternative export routes for its gold shipments amid persistent tensions in the Middle East. Over in Southern Africa, Zimbabwe is facing a similar challenge owing to the same problem.

Ghana’s logistical challenge stemmed from disruptions in flights to the United Arab Emirates, which has long been an important center for Ghanaian gold shipments.

The UAE’s relevance to Africa’s gold market has yet again been highlighted, given that it is also a prominent destination for Zimbabwe’s gold shipments.

The Middle Eastern country accounted for 45% of Zimbabwe’s total gold export revenues last year, according to a report to the Ministry of Industry and Trade. As a result, the ongoing war in the broader Middle East has taken a toll on the gold trade between Zimbabwe and the UAE.

Typical maritime routes have been hampered by the ongoing conflict, and major ships like Maersk have suspended operations through the Strait of Hormuz. Consequently, vessels are rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope, adding roughly 10 to 14 days to cargo transit times between Asia, Europe, and the United States.

Shipping expenditures have escalated significantly; notably, container rates for routes between Turkey and China have increased from $2,000 to $10,000.

Industry specialists characterize the current environment as highly volatile, noting that the disruptions extend beyond petroleum to affect a broad range of other commodities.

This reduces profit margins and complicates operational planning for Zimbabwean exporters due to increased transportation costs and longer wait times for imported materials.

Complications in the Southern African country’s gold exports are also internal. In November last year, Zimbabwe raised royalties on gold producers as it sought to capitalise on record-high bullion prices, according to the country’s 2026 national budget statement.

Under the new revenue policy, gold miners are required to pay a 10% royalty when prices exceed $2,501 per ounce. The adjustment was touted as part of broader efforts to boost state income and strengthen local industry, a measure that may become a hassle for gold producers currently struggling to ship their products. The move also came at a time when gold prices slipped 5% from the all-time high of $4,381.21.