Zimbabwe joins a small group of Southern African nations that are expected to experience strong economic growth in 2025. The African Development Bank predicts that Zimbabwe will achieve a growth rate of six percent or higher next year. Zambia and eSwatini also appear on this positive list of countries. Most other Southern African nations are expected to face weak economic performance ahead. The bank released these findings during annual meetings held at Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.
Southern Africa's regional growth reached just 1.9 percent during 2024, according to bank economists. Projections show modest improvement to 2.2 percent for 2025 and 2.5 percent during 2026. These numbers represent downward changes from earlier February predictions. Botswana and Lesotho face the biggest challenges from trade policy uncertainty. African continent growth improved slightly from 3.0 percent during 2023 to 3.3 percent last year.
Global economic weakness threatens African export demand, according to development bank officials. Several donor countries announced major cuts to aid budgets for African nations. Twenty-one African countries still expect growth above five percent during 2025 despite these challenges. Zimbabwe's strong outlook matches government reform efforts under the National Development Strategy 1. The country is working toward achieving Vision 2030 goals for upper-middle-income status.
Southern Africa's regional growth reached just 1.9 percent during 2024, according to bank economists. Projections show modest improvement to 2.2 percent for 2025 and 2.5 percent during 2026. These numbers represent downward changes from earlier February predictions. Botswana and Lesotho face the biggest challenges from trade policy uncertainty. African continent growth improved slightly from 3.0 percent during 2023 to 3.3 percent last year.
Global economic weakness threatens African export demand, according to development bank officials. Several donor countries announced major cuts to aid budgets for African nations. Twenty-one African countries still expect growth above five percent during 2025 despite these challenges. Zimbabwe's strong outlook matches government reform efforts under the National Development Strategy 1. The country is working toward achieving Vision 2030 goals for upper-middle-income status.
