World Bank Upgrades Zambia’s Growth Outlook
🇿🇲 BRIEFING | World Bank Upgrades Zambia’s Growth Outlook
Zambia is among African economies whose growth outlook has been upgraded by the World Bank, with the lender saying years of reforms and improved economic management are beginning to produce results.
The Bank named Zambia alongside Angola, Ethiopia and Nigeria as it reported that growth forecasts have been revised upwards for nearly three-quarters of countries in sub-Saharan Africa.
“Economic activity in Sub-Saharan Africa continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, with growth forecasts upgraded for nearly three-quarters of countries in the region, including Angola, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Zambia,” World Bank Chief Economist for Africa Andrew Dabalen said.
The World Bank now expects the region to grow by 4.3% in 2026, up from 4.1% in 2025 and 0.3 percentage points above its April forecast, despite geopolitical tensions, climate shocks, declining development assistance and fiscal pressures.
The improved outlook is being supported by stronger domestic demand, greater macroeconomic resilience and investments linked to digital technologies and the global energy transition.
However, the Bank cautioned that stronger economic growth is still not translating into sufficient jobs or significant reductions in extreme poverty, while high debt-servicing costs remain a major concern across the continent.
Regional debt-to-GDP levels have stabilised at about 57%, but roughly half of African countries are either in default or struggling to service their debts, according to the Bank.
“The next challenge is turning growth into more jobs and better opportunities,” Dabalen said, with the Bank urging governments to invest in the foundations needed to use artificial intelligence to improve productivity, innovation and service delivery.
The Bank says Africa’s immediate AI opportunity lies in adopting practical technologies while strengthening electricity supply, connectivity, skills, data systems, computing infrastructure and institutional capacity.
– The People’s Brief | Francine Lilu
October 7, 2026