HARARE, Zimbabwe | Zimbabwe’s economy is projected to sustain its strong growth momentum into 2026, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The positive outlook follows a period of robust recovery driven by solid agricultural output, improved mining performance, and stabilizing inflation supported by a more stable exchange rate.
In a statement released Thursday after an IMF staff mission to Zimbabwe, the Fund said the country’s economic rebound in 2025 had exceeded earlier expectations. “Zimbabwe’s economic recovery in 2025 is stronger than previously anticipated, given the rebound in agriculture and solid performances in mining, while inflation has continued to significantly ease, supported by a stable foreign exchange rate. The economy is expected to maintain strong momentum in 2026,” the IMF noted.
Discussions during the mission centered on strengthening fiscal discipline in the 2026 national budget to prevent the build-up of expenditure arrears. The IMF urged the government to base its fiscal plans on realistic revenue projections backed by concrete tax policy and administrative reforms. It also called for improved expenditure management to enhance resilience against fiscal risks and future economic shocks.
The IMF expressed readiness to resume talks with Zimbabwe regarding a Staff Monitored Program an arrangement that helps countries implement policy and reform frameworks aimed at achieving macroeconomic stability. However, the resumption is contingent upon Zimbabwe’s progress in aligning its 2026 budget with the Fund’s recommended fiscal and monetary stability objectives.
The IMF team’s visit to Zimbabwe took place from October 29 to November 5 as part of ongoing engagement with government officials and key economic stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s Finance Minister, Mthuli Ncube, in September revised the country’s 2025 growth forecast upward to 6.6% from 6%, attributing the improvement to strong agricultural output, particularly in tobacco production, and the impact of higher global gold prices.
If maintained, the IMF’s outlook signals cautious optimism for Zimbabwe’s economy, which has faced years of inflationary pressure and fiscal strain. With continued policy discipline and reforms, 2026 could mark another year of steady growth and renewed investor confidence.