Zambia GDP Growth
Annual percentage growth rate of GDP NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG
Zambia's gdp growth was 5.85% in 2025, ranked 24th globally. This represents a 53.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1961–2025.
Overview
Zambia's gdp growth stood at 5.85% in 2025, a rise of +2.03pp from 2024. The IMF projects 5.85% by 2025. Zambia ranked 24th globally.
Zambia’s real GDP growth has accelerated to 5.85 % in 2025, placing the country 24th in the world and matching Kazakhstan’s performance for the same year while exceeding Mongolia’s 5.50 % and Senegal’s 5.96 % rates. This resurgence follows a volatile post‑independence trajectory that spans 65 years, during which the economy expanded at a modest 1.36 % in 1961, surged to an all‑time peak of 16.65 % in 1965, and then contracted sharply to a trough of –8.63 % in 1994. The recent upturn reflects a combination of higher commodity prices, expanded mining investment, and fiscal reforms that have bolstered private sector activity. Nevertheless, Zambia remains vulnerable to external shocks, particularly fluctuations in copper prices and foreign exchange volatility. Sustained diversification and continued structural reforms will be crucial to maintain the current growth momentum and to mitigate the risk of reverting to the deep contraction experienced in the mid‑1990s.
Data & projection
| Year | GDP Growth | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2030* IMF | 4.77% | - | - |
| 2029* IMF | 4.84% | - | - |
| 2028* IMF | 5.14% | - | - |
| 2027* IMF | 6.54% | - | - |
| 2026* IMF | 6.37% | - | - |
| 2025* IMF | 5.85% | - | - |
| 2025 | 5.85% | +2.03pp | #24 |
| 2024 | 3.82% | −1.55pp | #76 |
| 2023 | 5.37% | +0.16pp | #38 |
| 2022 | 5.21% | −0.99pp | #79 |
| 2021 | 6.23% | +9.03pp | #82 |
| 2020 | -2.79% | −4.19pp | #80 |
| 2019 | 1.44% | −2.69pp | #151 |
| 2018 | 4.03% | +0.53pp | #73 |
| 2017 | 3.53% | −0.25pp | #95 |
| 2016 | 3.76% | +0.84pp | #85 |
| 2015 | 2.92% | −1.78pp | #104 |
| 2014 | 4.69% | −0.36pp | #61 |
| 2013 | 5.06% | −2.54pp | #61 |
| 2012 | 7.60% | +2.03pp | #27 |
| 2011 | 5.57% | −4.73pp | #65 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Zambia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw gdp growth improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Zambia's gdp growth was 5.85% in 2025. Ranked 24th globally. This represents a 53.0% increase from the previous year.
Zambia's gdp growth peaked at 16.65% in 1965.
The lowest gdp growth in Zambia was -8.63% in 1994.
Zambia ranks 24th globally in gdp growth as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG. Data sourced from World Bank.
Zambia's gdp growth is projected to reach 5.85% by 2025 based on IMF projection.
The gdp growth of Zambia in 2025 was 5.85%. This ranks 24th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_zambia_gdp-growth,
title = {Zambia GDP Growth},
url = {https://historysaid.com/zambia/gdp-growth/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}