Zimbabwe expects economic growth to ease to 5% in 2026, down from 6.6% in 2025, as the country continues to recover from El Niño-related drought, energy shortages and currency volatility.
Key Highlights
- 2024 Growth: 2% (severe drought, lower food & hydro output)
- 2025 Growth: 6.6% (agriculture & mining rebound)
- 2026 Growth Forecast: 5% (global headwinds + financing constraints)
- Budget Deficit: Targeting 0.2% of GDP in 2026 (from 0.3%)
- Inflation: Currently 19%, expected to fall to ~10% by year-end and single digits by early 2026
- Public Debt: $23.4B (including $13.6B external)
- IMF: Unable to lend due to arrears but notes “progress” in reforms.
Zimbabwe’s outlook remains cautiously optimistic as authorities push for tighter fiscal and monetary stability.