Zimbabwe set to outpace global economic growth in 2026

Zimbabwe’s economy is projected to grow by around 5 per cent in 2026, according to the latest estimates released by the World Bank. This is reported by The Herald, a partner of TV BRICS.

The forecast places Zimbabwe well above the projected global growth rate of 2.6 per cent and broadly in line with some of the faster-growing economies in Sub-Saharan Africa.

According to country and regional projections, growth at around this level is expected to be sustained into 2027, even as global and regional trends remain uneven. Sub-Saharan Africa as a whole is forecast to expand by approximately 4.3 per cent in 2026.

Zimbabwean authorities say the positive outlook for 2026 is underpinned by improving economic fundamentals rather than short-term factors. Experts said key productive sectors are expected to drive growth, with agriculture and mining playing leading roles, supported by favourable global commodity prices.

Agriculture is expected to remain a major growth driver, supported by policy measures and improved access to inputs, while mining continues to underpin export earnings and foreign currency inflows. Manufacturing and services are also forecast to contribute as energy availability improves.

The outlook for 2026 builds on a stronger performance in 2025, when economic growth is estimated at between 6 and 6.6 per cent following a weaker outcome in 2024.

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