Zambia: economy and key statistics
Zambia is number 116 in the 311 Nations Index, with a GDP of $28.9 billion in 2025. GDP per person is $1,318. The economy grew by 3.8% in 2025. Unemployment is 5.9%. The economy is 57% services, 35% industry, 4% agriculture.
Part of the 311 Nations Index (311institute.com). Last updated .
National power
Zambia is number 108 in the 311 National Power Index, scoring 30.2 out of 100: economic 49, technology 10, military 19 and human capital 52.
Economy at a glance
| Indicator | Latest figure | Year |
|---|---|---|
| GDP | $28.9 billion | 2025 |
| GDP (purchasing power) | $96.0 billion | 2025 |
| GDP per person | $1,318 | 2025 |
| Economic growth | +3.8% | 2025 |
| Inflation | 13.9% | 2025 |
| Unemployment | 5.9% | 2025 |
| Population | 21.9 million | 2025 |
| Labour force | 8.0 million | 2025 |
| Services share of GDP | 57% | 2025 |
| Industry share of GDP | 35% | 2025 |
| Manufacturing share of GDP | 9% | 2025 |
| Agriculture share of GDP | 4% | 2025 |
| Exports share of GDP | 35% | 2024 |
| Foreign direct investment | 9.3% of GDP | 2024 |
| High-tech share of manufactured exports | 1% | 2024 |
| Internet users | 17% of people | 2024 |
Main export industries
Zambia exported goods worth about $11.3bn in 2024. Its biggest export industries:
- Copper and articles thereof: $7.6bn (67.3% of goods exports)
- Ores, slag and ash: $0.5bn (4.2% of goods exports)
- Salt: $0.3bn (2.9% of goods exports)
- Mineral fuels, mineral oils and products of their distillation: $0.3bn (2.7% of goods exports)
- Natural, cultured pearls: $0.3bn (2.5% of goods exports)
Source: UN Comtrade, goods only (services exports are not included).
Other economies in Africa
- South Africa (#40)
- Nigeria (#50)
- Kenya (#62)
- Ethiopia (#67)
- Angola (#69)
- Ghana (#70)
- Côte d'Ivoire (#77)
- DR Congo (#81)
- Tanzania (#83)
- Uganda (#89)
- Sudan (#91)
- Cameroon (#92)
- Zimbabwe (#96)
- Senegal (#108)
- Mali (#114)
Questions and answers
How big is the economy of Zambia?
Zambia had a GDP of $28.9 billion in 2025, ranking number 116 in the 311 Nations Index.
What is GDP per person in Zambia?
GDP per person in Zambia was $1,318 in 2025.
How fast is the economy of Zambia growing?
The economy of Zambia grew by 3.8% in 2025.
Source: World Bank, World Development Indicators (CC BY 4.0).
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