The systems map has been designed to help policymakers understand the range of challenges the illicit gold trade presents and what questions need to be answered to inform policymaking and improve integrated delivery. The map was developed based on research conducted between April and September 2024.
See the map
Making sense of a complex, intersectional challenge
Gold reserves are an important component of a country’s financial stability and economic strength. For example, gold plays a major role in Ghana’s export earnings and as a source of foreign exchange; and the UK is closely engaged in the licit gold market and is among the top five gold importers globally.
Tackling malign activity in the gold trade is vital to protect national interests domestically and internationally. The illicit gold trade fuels corruption, undermines the rule of law, and can be linked to human rights abuses and environmental damage. It can also be used to launder money and evade sanctions, potentially funding conflicts and other illegal activities.
While the Ghanaian and UK governments, as others, have taken steps to combat illicit gold trade at national and global levels, the reality is that separating the licit and illicit markets is difficult and there are opportunities for illicit gold to enter licit markets.
Addressing this deeply problematic and complex issue requires stepping back to look at the gold sector in its totality. Looking through the siloed lens of a specific sector, department, thematic team, or country programme can lead to a downgrading of the threats the illicit gold industry poses.
For this reason, Itad developed a systems map of the illicit gold trade, bringing together research and insights from the literature to provide an important illustrative example of what these kind of systemic threats look like and the range of challenges they presents.
