The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected Zambia’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to grow by 5.8% in 2025, reflecting renewed economic momentum driven by improved mining output, stabilising macroeconomic conditions, and ongoing structural reforms.
The forecast places Zambia among the faster-growing economies in the region, marking a period of strengthened recovery after years of economic pressure from global shocks, domestic fiscal constraints, and commodity price volatility.
According to the IMF’s latest outlook, the growth projection is anchored on several key factors: increased copper production as major mining expansions come onstream, improved agricultural performance following better weather conditions, and steady growth in the services sector. Continued progress under Zambia’s economic reform programme supported by the IMF’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) has also helped stabilise the macroeconomic environment.
The projected 5.8% growth rate underscores expectations of rising investor confidence, better foreign exchange inflows, and strengthened fiscal discipline. With global demand for critical minerals, particularly copper, expected to rise, Zambia is positioned to benefit from expanded mining investments and improved export capacity.
However, the IMF also cautioned that Zambia’s outlook remains sensitive to global commodity price movements, climate-related risks, and the pace of domestic reforms. Sustained implementation of fiscal and structural measures will be essential to maintain the growth trajectory.
The 2025 projection signals optimism for Zambia’s economic resilience and sets a positive tone for the country’s medium-term development prospects.
