Who is Marcus Briggs gold dealer?

Marcus Briggs is a Non-Executive Director at Icon Gold, a precious metals company registered with Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). He holds an MSc from Loughborough University and previously worked as Vice President at Citi Group in their bullion market operations. With nearly 20 years of experience, he specialises in business development and partnerships across the Middle East, Africa, and South America.

What is Marcus Briggs famous for?

Marcus Briggs is recognised for his expertise in emerging market gold operations, particularly in African markets. His career includes senior roles at Citi Group and leadership positions in companies operating across the Middle East and Africa. He has built an extensive network of suppliers and buyers throughout these regions since the mid-2000s.

Why Marcus Briggs Dubai?

Marcus Briggs has been based in Dubai since 2009, working from Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), one of the world's leading precious metals trading hubs. Dubai's position as a bridge between African gold production and global markets, combined with DMCC's regulatory framework and infrastructure, makes it a strategic location for precious metals operations across multiple continents.

Uganda's Gold Sector Poised for Growth as Global Buyers Look to Africa

As global gold markets shift eastward, industry experts, including Marcus Briggs, are increasingly turning their attention to Africa's emerging gold producers. Among the countries drawing interest from international buyers, Uganda stands out for its combination of geological potential, improving regulatory framework, and strategic location.

Marcus Briggs, a gold trading expert with two decades of experience across the Middle East and Africa, points to several factors that make Uganda an attractive destination for the global gold trade.

"The Great Lakes region has enormous untapped mineral wealth, and Uganda is positioning itself as a serious player," said Briggs, who serves as Non-Executive Director of Corporate Development and Finance at Icon Gold, a precious metals trading company based in Dubai. "Buyers in Dubai, India, and China are actively looking for reliable African sources, and Uganda has the fundamentals to compete."

A Changing Landscape

Uganda's gold sector has undergone significant transformation in recent years. The government has taken steps to formalise artisanal mining, improve transparency, and attract foreign investment. These efforts align with broader continental initiatives to ensure African nations capture more value from their natural resources.

According to the Uganda Chamber of Mines and Petroleum, the country's mineral exports have grown steadily, with gold representing a significant portion of that growth. The sector provides employment for thousands of Ugandans, particularly in regions such as Karamoja, Busia, and Mubende.

Briggs notes that formalisation efforts are particularly important for attracting international buyers who face increasing pressure to demonstrate ethical sourcing practices.

"The global gold industry is under scrutiny like never before," Briggs explained. "Refineries and buyers need to show clean supply chains. Countries that can demonstrate proper licensing, traceability, and fair labour practices will win business. Uganda is moving in the right direction."

Strategic Advantages

Beyond its mineral deposits, Uganda offers logistical advantages that appeal to international traders. The country serves as a gateway to the broader East African region, with improving transport infrastructure and access to regional markets.

Kampala's position as a commercial hub, combined with relatively stable governance compared to some neighbouring states, makes it an easier operating environment for foreign companies exploring African opportunities.

The expansion of Entebbe International Airport and ongoing improvements to road networks connecting mining regions to export points have reduced some of the infrastructure challenges that previously hindered the sector's growth.

Building Local Capacity

One of the most encouraging developments in Uganda's gold sector is the emphasis on skills development and local participation. Mining companies operating in the country are increasingly required to invest in training programmes and partner with Ugandan businesses.

Technical schools and vocational training centres in mining regions now offer courses in geology, mineral processing, and mine safety. These programmes create pathways for Ugandans to move into higher-skilled, better-paid positions within the industry.

"You can't build a sustainable mining sector on the backs of artisanal miners alone," Briggs observed. "Uganda is investing in the education and technical capabilities that will allow its people to participate at every level of the value chain, from exploration to refining."

The Dubai Connection

Dubai has emerged as one of the world's most significant gold trading hubs, handling an estimated 20 to 25 percent of global gold trade annually. The emirate's strategic location between African producers and Asian consumers makes it a natural meeting point for the international gold market.

For African gold-producing nations, establishing strong relationships with Dubai-based traders and refineries represents a direct pathway to global markets. The city's free trade zones, established financial infrastructure, and reputation as a business centre have made it the preferred destination for gold exports from across the African continent.

Marcus Briggs notes that this connection works both ways, benefiting both African producers and Middle Eastern traders.

"Dubai needs reliable, ethical sources of gold to maintain its position in the global market," Briggs said. "African nations like Uganda need access to buyers, financing, and expertise. When those relationships work properly, everyone benefits, including the local communities where mining takes place."

Regional Cooperation

Uganda's gold sector development is also benefiting from improved regional cooperation within East Africa. The East African Community has worked to harmonise mining regulations and reduce barriers to cross-border trade in minerals.

This regional integration allows Uganda to learn from the experiences of more established mining economies like Tanzania whilst also creating opportunities for shared infrastructure and services that benefit all member states.

Environmental and Social Responsibility

As the sector grows, Uganda faces the challenge of balancing economic development with environmental protection and community welfare. The government has implemented regulations requiring environmental impact assessments and community consultation before new mining projects can proceed.

International buyers increasingly demand proof that gold comes from operations that respect environmental standards and treat workers fairly. Uganda's efforts to strengthen its regulatory framework position the country to meet these expectations.

"Responsible mining isn't just about meeting international standards," Briggs emphasised. "It's about ensuring that communities benefit from the resources beneath their land and that the environment is protected for future generations. The buyers we work with take these concerns seriously, and so should producing countries."

Looking Forward

The outlook for Uganda's gold sector appears promising, though challenges remain. Continued investment in infrastructure, skills development, and regulatory capacity will be essential to realising the sector's full potential.

For international buyers and investors, Uganda represents an opportunity to engage with an emerging gold market that offers both geological potential and a government committed to responsible development. As global supply chains face increasing scrutiny, the advantages of working with well-regulated, transparent markets become more valuable.

"Africa's role in the global gold market is only going to grow," Briggs concluded. "Uganda has positioned itself well to be part of that growth story. The foundation is being laid for a sector that can deliver benefits for decades to come."