Zimbabwe: economy

How fast is Zimbabwe's economy growing?

Zimbabwe's GDP grew 8.29% in 2025 at constant 2025 prices, from ZWG 1,431.9 billion in 2024 to ZWG 1,550.5 billion, according to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency's 2025 annual GDP release. ZIMSTAT links the growth to a favourable farming season, mining and stable macroeconomic conditions.

Agriculture grew fastest, by 27.9%, followed by electricity (14.9%), accommodation and food services (12.8%) and mining and transport (both 10.4%). Household consumption made up 77.9% of GDP. ZIMSTAT has adopted 2025 as the new base year for the national accounts because of its stable prices; the full publication explains the method.

Official sources: 2025 annual GDP release · publication

Does Zimbabwe export more than it imports?

Zimbabwe had a goods trade surplus of USD 320.6 million in July 2026, 34.1% more than in June, according to ZIMSTAT's July 2026 trade summary. Exports rose 1.9% to USD 1.47 billion and imports fell 4.5% to USD 1.15 billion.

Semi-manufactured gold made up 34.1% of exports and nickel mattes 13.5%. The United Arab Emirates (36.4%) and China (31.6%) bought more than two-thirds of exports, while South Africa supplied 34.5% of imports and China 19.2%. Tobacco made up 48% of exports to the European Union. ZIMSTAT publishes the monthly figures on its external trade page.

Official sources: July 2026 trade summary · external trade page

What is GDP per person in Zimbabwe?

Zimbabwe's GDP per person was USD 3,021 in 2025, according to the World Bank, up from USD 2,496 in 2024 and USD 2,195 in 2023.

The figure divides GDP in current US dollars by the population, which the World Bank puts at 16.95 million in 2025. Because it is in current dollars, it moves with prices and with the exchange rate used to convert Zimbabwe Gold (ZWG) values, as well as with real growth. ZIMSTAT publishes the national GDP figures in its annual national accounts.

Official sources: World Bank

How much money do migrants send home to Zimbabwe?

Personal remittances received by Zimbabwe were equal to 8.45% of GDP in 2024, according to the World Bank, down from 9.20% in 2023 but up from 4.25% in 2019.

Remittances are money sent home by Zimbabweans working abroad, together with the pay of workers employed abroad for short periods. The World Bank compiles the figures from balance of payments data. The share of GDP can fall when remittances stay level but the economy grows, so it is best read alongside the value in dollars.

Official sources: World Bank

How large are Zimbabwe's foreign reserves?

Zimbabwe's total reserves, including gold, were USD 485 million at the end of 2024, according to the World Bank, up from USD 116 million at the end of 2023.

The reserves are held by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, which issues the Zimbabwe Gold (ZWG) currency. The figures come from international financial statistics reported to the International Monetary Fund. The Reserve Bank's own website could not be read on 15 October 2026.

Official sources: World Bank

Is Zimbabwe's economy growing?

According to the World Bank, real GDP growth in Zimbabwe was 8.1% in 2025. The peak was 19.7% in 2010 and the low -17.7% in 2008. Sub-Saharan Africa median: 4.6%; Zimbabwe is 3rd highest of 46. World rank, highest first: 8th of 180.

How rich is Zimbabwe per person?

In 2025, GDP per person in Zimbabwe was $3,021, according to the World Bank. Its high point since 2005 was 2017, at $3,445; its low point was 2008, at $341. Sub-Saharan Africa median: $1,351; Zimbabwe is 14th highest of 46. Worldwide: 135th of 180.

How does Zimbabwe's income per person compare after prices?

$6,470 in international dollars: that is GDP per person at purchasing power parity in Zimbabwe for 2025, according to the World Bank. Its high point since 2005 was 2017, at $10,756 in international dollars; its low point was 2008, at $1,987 in international dollars. It is 17th highest of 46 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is $4,425 in international dollars. Worldwide: 140th of 179.

How big are Zimbabwe's exports?

According to the World Bank, exports of goods and services in Zimbabwe was 18.1% of GDP in 2024. Since 2005 it has ranged from 15.0% of GDP (2020) to 41.5% of GDP (2008). Sub-Saharan Africa median: 27.4% of GDP; Zimbabwe is 29th highest of 42. Of 162 countries with 2024 data, 132nd highest.

Does Zimbabwe have a current account surplus or deficit?

1.2% of GDP: that is the current account balance in Zimbabwe for 2024, according to the IMF. The peak was 2.8% of GDP in 2019 and the low -19.5% of GDP in 2011. Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was -4.2% of GDP, and Zimbabwe placed 8th highest of 36. World rank, highest first: 57th of 162.

How much foreign direct investment goes into Zimbabwe?

1.9% of GDP: that is net inflows of foreign direct investment in Zimbabwe for 2025, according to the IMF. Since 2005 it has ranged from 0.5% of GDP (2020) to 2.4% of GDP (2011). It is 26th highest of 46 in Sub-Saharan Africa, where the median is 2.0% of GDP. World rank, highest first: 96th of 179.

How high are loan rates in Zimbabwe?

The IMF puts the average bank lending rate in Zimbabwe at 46.4% in 2025. Since 2012 it has ranged from 6.9% (2017) to 170.3% (2023). Across Sub-Saharan Africa the middle value was 17.6%, and Zimbabwe placed 2nd highest of 16. Worldwide: 2nd of 73.