Zimbabwe has climbed into Africa’s top 15 economies, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projecting the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) to reach US$65.92 billion in 2026 on the back of a sustained economic recovery driven by mining, agriculture and strong export earnings.
According to the IMF’s October 2026 World Economic Outlook, Zimbabwe is now ranked the 14th-largest economy on the continent ahead of Cameroon and Tunisia, marking a significant improvement from recent years.
The latest ranking reflects a steady rebound in economic activity following a series of shocks that had constrained growth since 2000, including droughts, currency instability and external debt challenges.
The economy has benefited from a recovery in agricultural production, increased mineral output and favourable international gold prices, which have boosted export revenues and foreign currency inflows.
The IMF expects Zimbabwe’s economy to expand by five percent in 2026, following estimated growth of 8.3 percent in 2025.
The outlook is also being supported by steady remittance inflows from Zimbabweans living abroad.
The country’s rise in the continental rankings reflects successive upward revisions by the IMF. In 2025, Zimbabwe was ranked 17th in Africa with GDP estimated at US$51.22 billion.
By April 2026, it had moved to 16th place with projected output of US$56.71 billion before advancing to 14th in the Fund’s latest assessment.
Mining remains one of the principal drivers of growth, with gold exports benefiting from higher global prices and increased production.
Agriculture has also rebounded after improved rainfall conditions restored crop output following periods of weather-related disruptions.
The improved economic standing comes as Zimbabwe continues efforts to stabilise its macroeconomic environment, attract investment and resolve long-standing debt arrears.
JN/APA