The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has commended Zimbabwe for its impressive economic performance in 2025, noting that the country’s growth has outpaced earlier projections due to strong output in key sectors, tighter fiscal management, and improved macroeconomic stability.
Presenting the IMF’s latest assessment following the Article IV Consultation Mission to Harare, IMF Resident Representative Dr. Daniel Gurara said Zimbabwe’s economy is showing clear signs of recovery and resilience, with momentum continuing to build across multiple sectors.
“The stronger performance reflects a combination of favourable conditions in key sectors and ongoing efforts to strengthen macroeconomic stability through better policy coordination and tighter monetary management.
“Inflation has eased, confidence is growing, and activity across sectors is picking up. Of course, risks remain from global uncertainty to climate shocks but the momentum is encouraging,” said Dr. Gurara.
The IMF noted that Zimbabwe’s economic growth for 2025 is now expected to exceed the earlier projection of six percent, driven by stronger-than-anticipated performance in agriculture and mining. This comes as improved rains boosted agricultural output, while mining benefited from firm international commodity prices and increased production volumes in gold, platinum, and lithium.
Dr. Gurara said the improved performance is also the result of sound macroeconomic management, including prudent fiscal policies, tighter monetary control, and enhanced revenue collection. These measures have moderated inflation and helped rebuild business and consumer confidence.
“Going forward, maintaining fiscal discipline will be essential to consolidate recent gains, preserve stability, and create space for priority spending. Fiscal pressures, limited external financing, and climate vulnerabilities continue to pose challenges, but staying the course on reforms will ensure sustained and inclusive growth,” he emphasized.
Economist Dr. Zack Murerwa echoed the IMF’s positive outlook, describing the development as a reflection of the Second Republic’s steady reform trajectory and growing international credibility.
“This is a major vote of confidence in Zimbabwe’s economic direction. The key now is to sustain this momentum through continued engagement and re-engagement with global financiers and partners. The restored confidence in our economy must be preserved through consistency and policy discipline,” said Dr. Murerwa.
The Article IV Mission involved extensive consultations with Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Governor Dr. John Mushayavanhu, and other senior government officials. Discussions centered on strategies to deepen structural reforms, enhance fiscal transparency, and promote private sector-led growth.
The IMF’s endorsement comes at a time Zimbabwe is intensifying its efforts to stabilize the currency, tame inflation, and attract new investment under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which lays the groundwork for achieving Vision 2030 transforming the country into an upper middle-income economy.
