Tendai Keith Guvamombe
In 2025, Zambia stands at a pivotal crossroads, its economic narrative reflecting a broader struggle and resilience found across the African continent.
For the average Zambian, life is defined by a “rebound reality”—a state where macroeconomic growth figures finally begin to align with the daily struggle for a decent standard of living.
Recent data from ZamStats shows that while the national unemployment rate is projected to stabilize around 11% by the end of 2025, the underlying story is one of informality. Like much of Sub-Saharan Africa, approximately 85% of the labor force operates in the informal sector.
In Lusaka’s markets and Copperbelt mines, this means that while people are “working,” they lack the social protections, steady wages, and benefits that define global standards of living.
However, a glimmer of hope has emerged. Following a devastating drought in 2024, the economy has surged back with a 4.5% to 5.2% GDP growth in the first half of 2025.
This recovery is driven by a “green” mining boom—extracting copper and energy transition metals—and a record-high maize harvest. Crucially, inflation has finally begun to cool, dropping to 10.9% in November 2025, the lowest in over two years.
This easing of price growth is a lifeline for households where food and utilities consume over 65% of monthly income.
This Zambian trend—volatile growth tethered to climate resilience and commodity prices—is a mirror for nations like Ghana and Kenya.
Across Africa, the “standard of living” is no longer just about GDP per capita; it is about digital inclusion and debt sustainability. As Zambia successfully restructures its debt and expands its ICT sector (growing at 20%), it provides a blueprint for other nations: to move beyond raw resource extraction and toward a knowledge-based economy that can actually put bread on the table.
