Africa's $375 billion reserves in 2023 make up just 2.6% of the global total​

  • Africa ranks 5th globally in total reserves. The continent’s $375B in reserves lags behind most regions, surpassing only Oceania.
  • Asia leads with $8.24T, over half of global reserves, maintaining the strongest reserve and continent buffer driven by China, Japan, and India.
  • Europe holds nearly five times Africa’s reserves, with $3.68T.
  • South America’s $590B reserves is 57% more than Africa’s.
  • Oceania remains the lowest with $84.8B.

Africa’s total reserves, including gold, stood at $375 billion in 2023, placing it 5th out of the six continents and accounting for just 2.6% of global reserves. In comparison, Asia led with $8.24 trillion, making up over 58.2% of the world’s total, followed by Europe with $3.68 trillion and North America with $1.20 trillion. Oceania had the lowest reserves at $84.8 billion.

The full breakdown of total reserves in 2023 shows Asia at $8.24 trillion, Europe at $3.68 trillion, North America at $1.20 trillion, South America at $0.590 trillion, Africa at $375 billion, and Oceania at $84.8  billion.

Source:

World Bank

Period:

2023
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