Zimbabwe population to grow two-fold by 2032

Zimbabwe's population is expected to reach 19,3 million by 2032 up from the current 13,1 million with a bulging economically active age group and a narrow dependent age group, an analysis into the 2012 population census has revealed.

Life expectancy is also projected to increase from 57 to 67 years for males and from 64 to 75 years for women during the same period.

The number of children per woman will also decline from a high of about seven children (1969 census) to about four children per woman in 2032.

The economically active age group (15 to 64 years) is projected to increase from 55 percent to 64 percent while the number of persons below 15 years is projected to decline from 41 percent to 32 percent between 2012 and 2032.

Presenting the population projections, consultant Gibson Mandishona said the average population growth for the projected period is 2 percent compared to 1,1 percent growth in the past 20 years.