By Cecilia Chiluba 
Newly released World Investment Report 2025, has spotlighted Zambia as one of Africa’s leading reform-driven economies, praising its strides in fiscal consolidation, debt restructuring, and inflation control.
The Investment in the digital economy Report has been published by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
The report points to Zambia’s 2024–2026 Medium-Term Budget Framework as a guiding tool for macroeconomic stability and inclusive growth.
Key priorities include fiscal transparency, targeted social protection, and productive public investment aimed at reducing poverty and boosting job creation.
UN Secretary General António Guterres noted that this year’s report explores how international investment can help bridge the digital divide.
“It offers practical guidance to help governments attract and direct capital toward inclusive growth – advancing the Global Digital Compact and the Sustainable Development Goals.”
“Now more than ever, we need to work together to chart a course towards a more resilient and sustainable world. The World Investment Report 2025 offers ideas and insights to help do just that,” he stated.
And UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan said investment reflects societal priorities, not just economic activity.
She highlighted persistent low GDP growth, rising debt, geopolitical tensions, and shifting trade patterns as key challenges for the global economy.
Meanwhile, Finance and National Planning Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, MP, said the Government is delighted that the world continues to recognize the strides being made by Zambia in laying a strong foundation for strong and sustained economic growth.
Dr. Musokotwane added that Zambia’s economy has displayed remarkable resilience over the past two years, expanding by 4 percent in 2024.
He said this is despite Zambia experiencing a devastating drought in the 2023/2024 rain season, an indication that the government’s strategic interventions were technically sound, socially amenable and economically viable in mitigating the impact of the drought and placing the country on a recovery path.
“We project the economy to grow by 6 % in 2025. We are cognizant that past growth has not sufficiently reduced inequality.”
“Therefore, we are pursuing high growth that is broad based, to make in-roads on poverty and inequality by undertaking evidence driven reforms anchored on increasing citizen participation in economic activity both in the public and private sectors, entrenching prudent public spending, improving the investment landscape and strengthening governance frameworks,” Dr. Musokotwane said.
He noted that the positive sentiments in the World Investment Report, come barely a fortnight after a comprehensive analysis by Bloomberg in which it was projected that Zambia’s future is bright, anchored on well-performing bonds in the international market and an economic rebound led by mining.
This is according to a statement issued by the Office of the Secretary to the Treasury.
Joseph Tembo