ZAMBIA has been named among four African countries showing significant improvement in economic management, according to the World Bank. In its Africa Economic Update report released Tuesday, the Bank listed Zambia, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Angola as countries whose growth forecasts were upgraded, saying years of economic reforms and better economic management are starting to pay

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ZAMBIA has been named among four African countries showing significant improvement in economic management, according to the World Bank.

In its Africa Economic Update report released Tuesday, the Bank listed Zambia, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Angola as countries whose growth forecasts were upgraded, saying years of economic reforms and better economic management are starting to pay off.

The World Bank has raised Africa’s 2026 economic growth forecast to 4.3%, up from the 4.1% expected in April. In 2025, the region’s economy grew by 4.1%.

According to the Bank, the region has weathered a tough global environment marked by higher energy prices due to the impact of the Iran war on supply chains. 4a42

World Bank Chief Economist for Africa, Andrew Dabalen said:

“Economic activity in Sub-Saharan Africa continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience, with growth forecasts upgraded for nearly three-quarters of countries in the region”.

The Bank said debt-to-GDP ratio in the region has stabilised at about 57%, but about half of the countries are either in default or struggling to service their debts.

Risks flagged include a prolonged Middle East conflict, the El Niño weather phenomenon, high interest rates in advanced economies and elevated debt servicing costs.

The Bank also warned that faster growth is not translating into significant poverty reduction, with per capita income growth expected to increase only to 1.8% this year from 1.6% last year.

It has urged African governments to embrace artificial intelligence to boost productivity and create jobs.

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