Zimbabwe projects 8.5% economic growth in 2026

Zimbabwe's Treasury Permanent Secretary, George Guvamatanga, has projected that the national economy could expand by at least 8.5 percent in 2026, citing robust activity in agriculture and mining as key drivers.

Speaking at the Mining Indaba in Cape Town, South Africa, Guvamatanga said the forecast reflects ongoing policy reforms and sectoral resilience.

"We are looking at growth of no less than 8.5 percent in 2026. This projection is anchored on robust activity in key sectors of the economy, particularly agriculture and mining, which continue to demonstrate resilience and expansion potential," he stated.

If realised, the growth rate would surpass last year's estimated 6.6 percent expansion and exceed the Government's earlier 5 percent projection for 2026.

Guvamatanga attributed the anticipated acceleration to improved agricultural output and renewed investor confidence in mining, highlighting their contribution to employment, exports, and macroeconomic stability.

"Our economy has shown that it is capable of outperforming expectations. We are now seeing increased productivity, improved investment flows, and enhanced sectoral contributions," he added.

The Treasury Permanent Secretary also underscored government efforts to maintain fiscal discipline, policy consistency, and a predictable investment climate, aimed at ensuring growth is sustainable and inclusive.

However, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has offered a more cautious projection, forecasting 4.6 percent growth for 2026, despite acknowledging that Zimbabwe exceeded the 6.6 percent growth initially projected for 2025.

Responding to the IMF, Guvamatanga said, "Forecasts will naturally differ depending on assumptions and methodologies. From our standpoint, we are seeing tangible improvements across sectors, stronger fundamentals, and expanding economic activity, which give us confidence in our growth outlook."

Zimbabwe's economy has faced fluctuating growth in recent years, shaped by global commodity trends, climate variability, and macroeconomic adjustments. Agriculture and mining remain central to economic performance, while government policies continue to emphasise stabilisation, investment attraction, and structural transformation.