Zimbabwe Ups 2025 Economic Growth Forecast to 6.6% on Strong Tobacco and Gold Performance.

Zimbabwe has revised its 2025 economic growth forecast upward to 6.6%, beating its earlier projection of 6%. The new outlook is driven by a bumper tobacco harvest and a rally in global gold prices, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube announced on Friday.

The update reflects a major rebound for the commodity-dependent economy, which grew just 2% last year after an El Niño-induced drought devastated crop yields and disrupted hydropower generation, forcing the country to import grain.

Agriculture Recovery Boosts GDP

Agriculture has staged a comeback in 2025, with tobacco and maize output improving significantly. Tobacco, one of Zimbabwe’s top foreign currency earners, exceeded expectations this season, helping restore stability in the farming sector.

Gold Prices Lift Mining Revenues

The mining industry has also benefited from strong international demand, particularly for gold, whose prices surged this year. The higher revenues are providing much-needed support to Zimbabwe’s economic recovery, alongside agriculture.

“The higher projection is on account of more than anticipated output in the agricultural sector, particularly tobacco… and mining sector growth buoyed by high commodity prices, notably gold,” said Minister Ncube at an economic conference.

With improved agricultural yields and mining revenues, Zimbabwe appears to be on a stronger growth trajectory for 2025, offering cautious optimism for its economic stability.