Kian Smith was at the 2025 DPMC conference earlier this week speaking on the panel ‘Market Outlook—Trade Flows, Tokenization, and Tariffs’ with Michael DiRienzo, President & CEO The Silver Institute, Dr. Fahmi Iskander, Chief Investment Officer, O Gold, Andrew N., Head of Middle East and Public Policy of the World Gold Council and Mohammad Ayyob, General Manager, Sam Precious Metals—moderated by the GoldFather, Jeffrey Rhodes`, Chief Executive Officer, Goldstrom - Your trusted global precious metals partner Advisory.
The necessity of meeting the hidden demands of the retail market led to Africa's early entry into tokenized and fractional gold. The recent participation by commercial institutions has provided a solution to the tariffs and barriers that African financial institutions face when accessing 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 accounts 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) Secretariat 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 SANU before it had wider adoption to exhibit at the 2022 DPMC. We look forward to closer engagements with the DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) and the UAE on gold innovation.