Zimbabwe has set its sights on achieving at least 8.5 percent economic growth in 2026, a projection that significantly outpaces both last year’s performance and the more cautious outlook from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Treasury Permanent Secretary George Guvamatanga said the target is anchored on anticipated strong output in the agriculture and mining sectors, which he identified as key drivers of expansion. He stated that if the 8.5 percent growth materialises, it would exceed the estimated 6.6 percent growth recorded in 2025 and rise well above the government’s earlier 5 percent forecast for 2026.
Guvamatanga said the economy has demonstrated resilience and capacity to rebound, particularly through improved agricultural productivity and mining sector performance.
He stated that enhanced output, favourable commodity prices and structural reforms are expected to sustain growth momentum into 2026.
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However, the IMF has taken a more conservative stance. While acknowledging that Zimbabwe’s growth in 2025 surpassed the initial 6.6 percent projection, the IMF forecasts a slower 4.6 percent growth rate for 2026, citing global uncertainties and structural constraints.
The divergence between Treasury’s projection and the IMF’s estimate reflects differing assessments of the pace and sustainability of Zimbabwe’s recovery.
Guvamatanga said domestic authorities remain confident that ongoing reforms, fiscal discipline and sectoral productivity gains will underpin stronger expansion than external forecasts suggest.
Economic analysts note that agriculture and mining remain central to Zimbabwe’s gross domestic product, foreign currency earnings and employment creation. A strong agricultural season combined with sustained mineral output could significantly influence overall economic performance.
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