Zimbabwe recorded an annualised quarterly gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate of 6.8% during the first quarter of 2026, anchored by robust performances across major productive sectors, new data shows.

In his mid-term budget review, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said the expansion was primarily driven by double-digit estimated growth in manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and the wholesale and retail trade sectors.

He said GDP growth in 2026 is projected at 5%, riding on the growth momentum achieved in 2025 and robust performance in the first half of 2026.

“The projected growth reflects the expansion of domestic production capacity, enhanced energy availability and macroeconomic stability,” he said.

The Treasury chief said the economy grew by 8.3% in 2025, significantly higher than the initial projection of 6.6%.

“The domestic economy experienced robust economic growth in 2025 due to a favourable macroeconomic environment characterised by price, currency and exchange rate stability, as well as improved energy availability which supported strong performance across all productive sectors,” he said.

He added that the economy also benefited from strong export performance, increasing investment activity and continued growth in domestic demand, which reinforced business confidence and provided a firm foundation for accelerated economic growth.

The Minister noted that the stronger-than-anticipated outturn was underpinned by above-average rainfall and favourable international mineral commodity prices.

He highlighted that improved electricity generation at both public and private power stations supported robust performance across key sectors of the economy.

“The real GDP growth rate places Zimbabwe among the few top African countries that recorded high growth rates in 2025. The country is behind Ethiopia, which recorded a growth of 9.2%, while the majority recorded a growth rate of less than 4%,” he said.