Zambia is among nearly three-quarters of Sub-Saharan African countries whose economic growth outlook has been improved for 2026.
The latest Africa Economic Update projects economic growth in the region to rise from 4.1 percent in 2025 to 4.3 percent this year.
The improved outlook includes Zambia, along with other major economies such as Angola, Ethiopia and Nigeria.
The World Bank says the upgrade is mainly due to better-than-expected economic performance in many countries.
It says some economies are benefiting from higher commodity exports, better agricultural production, stronger spending by consumers and businesses, and reforms aimed at making it easier for the private sector to grow.
For Zambia, the outlook is also supported by continued global demand for critical minerals such as copper.
The World Bank says investment in clean energy, artificial intelligence and digital technology is increasing demand for minerals needed to support these industries.
But the report warns that African economies still face major challenges.
These include high debt costs, limited government finances, climate shocks, trade uncertainty and the effects of conflicts in other parts of the world.
The report also says inflation has come down in many African countries, while governments have taken steps to improve their finances.
However, the World Bank cautions that economic growth alone is not enough to quickly improve living standards.
Income per person in Sub-Saharan Africa is expected to grow by only 1.8 percent in 2026.
The report says this remains too low to significantly reduce poverty or create enough jobs for the region’s growing population.
For Zambia, the challenge will therefore be to turn improved economic growth into more jobs, higher incomes and better living conditions for ordinary people.
By Rachel Mumba
