Zambia's economic growth is expected to accelerate to 6.4% next year, up from 5.8% this year, driven by the mining and agricultural sectors.
The Zambian economy is recovering from a severe regional drought that slowed growth last year, following years of protracted negotiations over debt restructuring. The government of this southern African country has stated it will focus on increasing electricity supply from sources such as solar energy, given the severe impact of the drought on hydropower production and the productivity of key industries.
Copper production — the country’s main export — is expected to slightly exceed 1 million metric tons next year, reach 1.2 million metric tons in 2027, and surpass 1.3 million metric tons in 2028, according to the budget plan.
President Hakainde Hichilema’s government is aiming to boost copper output, targeting nearly one million tons this year after strong production in the first quarter.
