IMF lifts Zimbabwe growth outlook

Zimbabwe's economy expanded by 7.5% in 2025, outperforming the Government's estimate of 6.6%, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), in a sign of stronger-than-expected recovery.

The Fund projects growth of 5% for 2026, in line with official forecasts, even as it warns of rising global risks that could weigh on African economies more broadly. Across the continent, growth is expected to ease slightly to 4.3% this year from 4.5% in 2025.

Despite the softer regional outlook, Zimbabwe is still forecast to outperform the continental average, with the IMF citing continued recovery momentum supported by improving fiscal discipline and expansion in key sectors such as agriculture and mining.

The Fund said the country's recent economic trajectory reflects tighter fiscal management and stronger output in export-oriented industries, which have helped stabilise growth despite broader macroeconomic pressures.

In a further boost to Harare's reform agenda, the IMF has approved a 10-month Staff-Monitored Programme (SMP) for Zimbabwe. The SMP is a non-financing arrangement under which the Fund tracks a country's economic policies against agreed benchmarks, often serving as a signal of policy credibility to international lenders.

For Zimbabwe, the programme is viewed as a critical step toward re-engagement with global financial institutions and creditors, particularly as the country seeks to restructure and resolve its longstanding debt obligations.

Authorities hope successful implementation of the SMP will strengthen confidence among international partners and pave the way for eventual debt relief, which remains central to unlocking new lines of credit and sustaining long-term economic growth.