Harare, (New Ziana) – Zimbabwe has been listed among Sub-Saharan Africa’s fastest-growing economies in the latest 2025 growth outlook released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which projects the country’s GDP to accelerate by an impressive six percent.
In a post on its National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) X handle, Government said the forecast places the country ahead of major regional economies including South Africa (1.1 percent), Mozambique (2.5 percent), Namibia (3.6 percent) and Botswana, which is expected to contract by 0.9 percent. Only Zambia’s anticipated 5.8 percent comes close to matching Zimbabwe.
“The IMF’s recognition is a remarkable achievement for Zimbabwe, particularly given the challenging global economic climate and the enduring effects of Western-imposed illegal sanctions that have constrained the nation’s economic potential for over two decades,” said the Government.
According to the IMF, Zimbabwe’s strong outlook is anchored on ongoing economic reforms, accelerated infrastructure development and revitalised agricultural and mining sectors.
Government policy has focused on modernising production systems, restoring market confidence and positioning Zimbabwe as a competitive investment destination. The “Zimbabwe is Open for Business” agenda has seen new projects rolled out in energy, transport and mining value chains, boosting industrial activity and export potential.
The IMF forecast mirrors projections by Finance and Economic Development Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, who expects the economy to expand by 6.6 percent in 2025, surpassing the earlier six percent target driven by strong output in manufacturing, farming and mineral extraction.
Economic analysts say the latest assessment affirms the resilience of Zimbabwe’s economy, which continues to grow despite limited access to concessional financing from global lenders.
Ongoing government economic reforms have been credited with building the foundations for sustained economic recovery and growth, anchored on the country’s Vision 2030 goal of attaining an upper-middle-income economic status.
Zimbabwe’s rising economic profile is already attracting major investments.
Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, is expected in the country to conclude a US$1 billion investment deal covering cement production, coal mining and power generation, a move seen as a strong vote of confidence in the nation’s economic direction.
With momentum building across key sectors and international institutions acknowledging progress, Zimbabwe’s 2025 growth outlook signals what many hope will be a new era of economic strength and regional influence.
New Ziana
