According to the latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures released by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat), GDP at constant 2025 prices rose to ZiG1,55 trillion from ZiG1,43 trillion in 2024.
Zimbabwe’s economy registered one of its strongest growth performances in recent years, expanding by 8,29 percent in 2025 as agriculture rebounded from the 2024 drought, while mining maintained strong momentum and other key sectors recorded solid gains.
This means that Zimbabwe’s economy expanded faster than initially projected.
Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube had forecast that Zimbabwe’s economy would grow by 6,6 percent, an upgrade from the 6 percent estimate issued in late 2024.
Following a decade of contraction from 1998 to 2008, Zimbabwe’s economy recorded real growth of more than 10 percent per year in the period 2010-13, benefiting from prolonged stability following official dollarisation in February 2009.
According to the latest Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures released by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat), GDP at constant 2025 prices rose to ZiG1,55 trillion from ZiG1,43 trillion in 2024.
The growth underscores the economy’s resilience and the positive impact of the Government’s ongoing extensive economic reforms, supportive policies and durable stability since the introduction of the gold-backed ZiG in April 2024.
In hard currency terms, it means Zimbabwe’s economy was valued at approximately US$59,6 billion in 2025 from US$45,7 billion in 2024, reflecting growing productive activity across major sectors of the economy.
Presenting Zimbabwe’s latest GDP figures, ZimStat manager for national accounts, Mr Grown Chirongwe, said the strong performance was underpinned by stability across the economy.
“The year 2025 was deemed a stable year coupled with low inflation, a good agricultural season, a booming mining industry and firm mineral prices such as gold,” Mr Chiromwe said.
The growth outturn significantly exceeded the modest 1,74 percent expansion recorded in 2024, which was weighed down by the El Niño-induced drought, which saw agriculture output register a 15 percent contraction.
This reflects the success of measures aimed at strengthening macroeconomic stability, enhancing agricultural production and supporting industrial growth.
Agriculture emerged as the economy’s top performer, growing by an impressive 27,9 percent following favourable rainfall and increased production across major crops.
The sector’s contribution to GDP rose to 11,1 percent from 9,4 percent in 2024, making it the third-largest contributor to economic output after manufacturing and mining.
Agronomist Ms Pamela Macheka said the figures demonstrate the transformative impact of a successful farming season in 2025.
“Agriculture remains at the centre of Zimbabwe’s development story. A good season not only improves food security but stimulates activity throughout the economy, from transport and logistics to agro-processing and retail trade,” she said.
“The latest figures show how increased production in the agricultural sector can drive broader economic growth and support rural livelihoods.”
Beyond agriculture, growth was spread across several sectors, highlighting increasing diversification within the economy.
Electricity, gas and air-conditioning supply expanded by 14,9 percent, reflecting improvements in energy generation and supply.
Accommodation and food services grew by 12,8 percent as tourism activity strengthened, while transport and storage rose by 10,4 percent amid increased business activity.
Mining and quarrying, one of Zimbabwe’s key foreign currency earners, also recorded growth of 10,4 percent, supported by firm international mineral prices and continued investment.
Economic analyst Mr Namatai Maeresera said the figures show that economic growth is becoming increasingly broad-based.
“The significance of these results is that growth was not concentrated in one sector. Agriculture rebounded strongly, mining continued to perform, electricity generation improved and tourism-related activities expanded. That points to a more balanced and resilient economy,” he said.
Manufacturing remained the single largest contributor to GDP, accounting for 16,8 percent of total output.
Mining and quarrying followed at 15,9 percent, while agriculture contributed 11,1 percent.
Wholesale and retail trade accounted for 11 percent, while finance and insurance activities contributed 6,3 percent.
Development economist Mr Michael Dumba said the composition of GDP reflects the growing strength of productive sectors.
“The economy is increasingly being driven by sectors that generate value, employment and exports. Manufacturing remains critical, mining continues to expand and agriculture has regained momentum. These are encouraging indicators for long-term development,” he said.
The expenditure-based GDP figures also point to rising economic activity across households and businesses.
Private household consumption expenditure reached ZiG1,208 trillion, equivalent to about US$46,5 billion, accounting for 77,9 percent of GDP.
Total final consumption expenditure stood at ZiG1,449 trillion, highlighting robust domestic demand.
Government final consumption expenditure amounted to ZiG197,7 billion, while gross capital formation reached ZiG116,5 billion.
Economist Dr Gladys Shumbambiri-Mutsopotsi said the figures demonstrate the benefits of a stable macroeconomic environment.
“The strong growth outcome reflects improvements in confidence and economic stability. Businesses are able to plan more effectively when inflation is contained and market conditions are predictable,” she said.
“The broad-based nature of the growth is particularly encouraging because it suggests that several sectors are contributing to economic expansion.”
According to the income approach to GDP, compensation of employees rose to ZiG668,3 billion, representing 43,1 percent of total output.
Gross operating surplus reached ZiG517,9 billion, while mixed income generated by self-employed producers amounted to ZiG278,2 billion.
Analysts said the figures demonstrate the economy’s growing capacity to generate incomes, create opportunities and support national development.
The strong performance comes as Zimbabwe continues implementing policies aimed-herald
