How much is 1kg of gold in Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa today
How much is 1kg of gold: Discover the latest prices for 1kg of 24K gold in Kenya (14,263,015.31 KES), Ghana (1,288,811.78 GHS), and South Africa (1,900,414.32 ZAR) as of today.
Gold, a globally traded precious metal, is a symbol of wealth and a reliable store of value, particularly in times of economic uncertainty.
Its price varies across countries due to factors such as local currency exchange rates, mining costs, government regulations, market demand, and supply dynamics.
How much is 1kg of gold in Kenya: Gold Price in Kenya
Kenya, while not a major gold producer, has a growing gold market driven by demand for jewelry, investment, and trade with neighboring countries like Uganda and Tanzania.
The price of gold in Kenya is influenced by global spot prices, the strength of the Kenyan Shilling, and local market dynamics, including import costs and dealer premiums.
- Current Price (June 21, 2025): Based on recent data, the price of 1kg of 24K gold in Kenya is approximately 14,263,015.31 KES (as per livepriceofgold.com, June 17, 2025, adjusted for minor fluctuations).
- USD Equivalent: At an exchange rate of 1 USD = 129.13 KES, this translates to approximately $110,451.65 USD per kg.
- Price per Gram: The price per gram of 24K gold is around 14,261.27 KES (or $110.45 USD), indicating consistency across sources.
- Price Trends: Gold prices in Kenya have risen significantly over the past year, with a 47.74% increase from June 2024 (when 1oz was 300,959 KES) to June 2025 (444,635 KES per oz). The highest price recorded was 445,745 KES per oz on April 21, 2025.
- Market Factors: Kenya’s gold prices are higher than in producing countries like Ghana due to limited local production, reliance on imports, and a relatively strong shilling against the USD. Dealer premiums and taxes (e.g., a 25,000 UGX local council tax for foreigners at Mabamba Swamp, though unrelated, indicates regulatory costs) also contribute.
How much is 1kg of gold in Ghana: Gold Price in Ghana
Ghana is one of Africa’s top gold producers, with large-scale mining operations and artisanal markets contributing to competitive pricing. The Ghanaian Cedi’s volatility and abundant gold reserves influence local prices, often making Ghana a cost-effective market for buyers.
- Current Price (June 21, 2025): The price of 1kg of 24K gold in Ghana is approximately 1,288,811.78 GHS (as per livepriceofgold.com, June 17, 2025).
- USD Equivalent: At an exchange rate of 1 USD = 15.79 GHS, this equates to approximately $81,634.06 USD per kg.
- Price per Gram: The price per gram of 24K gold is around 1,288.81 GHS (or $81.63 USD), with an ounce costing 34,908.11 GHS ($2,210.77 USD).
- Price Trends: Ghana’s gold prices have been relatively stable, benefiting from high production levels. In 2024, prices were reported at $68,200 per kg (goldbuyersafrica.com), suggesting a slight increase in 2025 due to global demand and cedi depreciation.
- Market Factors: Ghana’s proximity to gold sources and competitive mining costs result in lower prices compared to Kenya. Government policies promoting gold trade and minimal export restrictions further enhance affordability. However, cedi volatility can cause short-term price spikes.
How much is 1kg of gold in South Africa: Gold Price in South Africa
South Africa, a global leader in gold production, has a well-established mining industry and sophisticated gold market. Its prices are competitive due to large-scale production and infrastructure, though the Rand’s value against the USD impacts local pricing.
- Current Price (June 21, 2025): The price of 1kg of 24K gold in South Africa is approximately 1,900,414.32 ZAR (as per livepriceofgold.com, June 17, 2025).USD Equivalent: At an exchange rate of 1 USD = 17.99 ZAR, this translates to approximately $105,636.69 USD per kg.
- Price per Gram: The price per gram of 24K gold is around 1,900.41 ZAR (or $105.64 USD), with an ounce costing approximately $3,285.20 USD (derived from kg price).
- Price Trends: South Africa’s gold prices have increased by 45% over the past decade, with 1kg priced at $71,300 in 2024 (goldbuyersafrica.com), reflecting a rise in 2025 due to global economic uncertainty and demand from China and India.
- Market Factors: South Africa’s established mining infrastructure and high production capacity keep prices competitive. The Rand’s relative stability compared to the cedi, combined with direct access to refineries, reduces premiums. However, labor and refining costs can slightly elevate prices compared to Ghana.
Regional Comparisons
The following table compares the price of 1kg of 24K gold across Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa, highlighting key differences and influencing factors:
Country | Price per kg (Local Currency) | Price per kg (USD) | Price per Gram (Local Currency) | Key Influencing Factors |
Kenya | 14,263,015.31 KES | $110,451.65 | 14,261.27 KES | Limited local production, import reliance, strong shilling, dealer premiums, taxes |
Ghana | 1,288,811.78 GHS | $81,634.06 | 1,288.81 GHS | High production, competitive mining costs, cedi volatility, proximity to sources |
South Africa | 1,900,414.32 ZAR | $105,636.69 | 1,900.41 ZAR | Large-scale production, stable infrastructure, Rand stability, labor/refining costs |
Analysis of Price Differences
- Ghana Offers the Cheapest Gold: At $81,634.06 per kg, Ghana’s gold is significantly cheaper than Kenya’s ($110,451.65) and South Africa’s ($105,636.69). This is due to Ghana’s status as a major producer, lower mining costs, and direct access to artisanal and formal markets. The weak cedi against the USD further reduces prices in dollar terms.
- Kenya’s Higher Prices: Kenya’s gold is the most expensive, reflecting its reliance on imports from countries like Uganda and Tanzania, which adds transport and dealer costs. The shilling’s strength (129.13 KES/USD) increases local prices when converted to USD, and regulatory costs (e.g., taxes) contribute to premiums.
- South Africa’s Competitive Edge: South Africa’s price ($105,636.69) is closer to Kenya’s but higher than Ghana’s due to its advanced mining infrastructure, which incurs higher labor and refining costs. However, its large-scale production and established market keep prices competitive globally. The Rand’s stability (17.99 ZAR/USD) helps maintain moderate pricing.
- Purity and Market Dynamics: All prices are for 24K gold, the standard for investment. However, 22K gold (91.67% pure) is also common in Ghana and South Africa, priced lower (e.g., $57,400/kg in Ghana, $56,800/kg in Tanzania/Uganda). Kenya’s market focuses more on 24K for investment, with 22K used in jewelry.
- Global Context: The world price of gold is approximately $60,000–$67,030 per kg but local factors like currency strength and production costs cause variations. Africa’s gold markets, particularly Ghana and South Africa, offer competitive prices due to proximity to sources and favorable trade policies.
Factors Influencing Regional Price Variations
- Production Levels: Ghana and South Africa are major producers, with South Africa’s large-scale operations and Ghana’s mix of formal and artisanal mining reducing costs. Kenya’s limited production increases reliance on imports, raising prices.
- Currency Exchange Rates: The cedi’s weakness (15.79 GHS/USD) lowers Ghana’s prices in USD, while the shilling’s strength (129.13 KES/USD) and Rand’s moderate value (17.99 ZAR/USD) elevate Kenya’s and South Africa’s prices, respectively.
- Mining and Refining Costs: South Africa’s advanced infrastructure incurs higher costs than Ghana’s artisanal markets. Kenya’s import costs add premiums.
- Government Policies: Ghana’s policies promote gold trade, reducing export restrictions, while South Africa’s regulated market ensures stability but adds costs. Kenya’s regulatory environment (e.g., taxes) increases prices.
- Demand and Supply: Global demand from China, India, and central banks, combined with local jewelry demand in Kenya, drives prices. South Africa’s competitive market keeps prices closer to global rates.
- Economic Conditions: Inflation and global uncertainty (e.g., stagflation concerns noted on June 20, 2025) push gold prices higher, benefiting African producers but impacting local affordability.
Additional Considerations for Buyers
- Purity Options: 24K gold is ideal for investment due to its 99.9% purity, but 22K (91.67% pure) is common for jewelry in Ghana and South Africa, offering lower prices (e.g., 13,096,858.71 KES/kg for 22K in Kenya). Buyers should verify purity with reputable dealers.
- Buying Channels: In Kenya, purchase from licensed dealers, jewelry stores, or platforms like Gold Avenue Africa.
In Ghana and South Africa, options include mining companies, refineries, and artisanal markets (e.g., Gold Buyers Africa). Ensure proper documentation to avoid scams.
- Investment Options: Beyond physical gold (bars, coins, jewelry), consider gold ETFs or digital gold in Kenya for convenience. South Africa offers gold-backed securities like the Krugerrand. Ghana’s markets are more focused on physical gold.
- Scam Awareness: Avoid unsolicited offers (e.g., WhatsApp contacts promising cheap gold in Ghana or Kenya, as noted in sources). Verify sellers’ credentials and use trusted platforms like Gold Buyers Africa.
- Price Volatility: Gold prices fluctuate daily based on global spot prices, geopolitical factors, and currency values. Check real-time rates on platforms like goldprice.org or livepriceofgold.com before purchasing.
- Export and Regulations: South Africa and Ghana have clear export policies, but Kenya’s import-heavy market may involve additional taxes. Buyers exporting gold (e.g., to the USA or UAE) need permits, especially in South Africa.
Comparison with Other African Countries
To contextualize, here’s a brief comparison with other African gold markets (based on 2024/2025 data, as 2025-specific data is limited):
- Uganda: Cheapest in Africa at $68,300/kg (2024), due to low production costs and a weak currency. Slightly lower than Ghana’s $81,634.06 in 2025, reflecting minimal export restrictions.
- Tanzania: Priced at $71,450/kg (2024), higher than Ghana but competitive with South Africa, reflecting a developing mining sector.
- Nigeria: Higher at $65,600/kg (2024), due to limited production and economic challenges, but still cheaper than Kenya’s $110,451.65.
- DR Congo, Sudan, Zimbabwe: Range from $57,250–$57,413/kg for 22K (2024), lower than South Africa’s $105,636.69 for 24K, due to artisanal markets and weaker currencies.
These comparisons highlight East Africa’s (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania) higher prices compared to West (Ghana) and Southern Africa (South Africa), driven by production disparities and currency strength.
Future Outlook
Gold prices in Africa are expected to rise moderately in 2025 due to global economic uncertainty, central banks increasing reserves, and demand from Asia.
Ghana and South Africa may remain competitive due to production capacity, while Kenya’s prices could increase further if the shilling strengthens or import costs rise.
Investors should monitor global indicators (e.g., US Federal Reserve policies, inflation rates) and local currency trends, as noted in sources discussing stagflation and yield curve impacts on gold.
Conclusion
As of June 21, 2025, the price of 1kg of 24K gold is approximately 14,263,015.31 KES ($110,451.65 USD) in Kenya, 1,288,811.78 GHS ($81,634.06 USD) in Ghana, and 1,900,414.32 ZAR ($105,636.69 USD) in South Africa.
Ghana offers the cheapest gold due to its high production and weak cedi, followed by South Africa, which benefits from large-scale mining but incurs higher costs. Kenya’s prices are the highest, reflecting import reliance and a strong shilling.
Regional comparisons show Africa’s diverse gold market, with East African prices generally higher than West and Southern Africa.
Buyers should use reputable dealers, verify purity, and monitor real-time prices to make informed decisions. Platforms like livepriceofgold.com and at Buy gold bars .com, we are valuable resources for tracking rates and securing transactions, ensuring a safe and profitable investment in Africa’s vibrant gold trade.