Government Sets Ambitious Economic Goals with Copper, Maize and Beef Export Boosts
By Respite Kaoma
Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry Principal Public Relations Officer, Everness Nankala, has announced that Zambia is aiming high, projecting a 6.4% Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in 2026, driven by a robust mining sector, agriculture recovery, ICT expansion, and improved electricity supply.
Ms. Nankala tells Mafken news that the country’s economic outlook is geared towards achieving middle-income status through inclusive growth and equitable development.
She has revealed key targets, including surpassing 1 million tonnes of copper production and boosting maize output to over 3.7 million metric tonnes.
Ms. Nankala adds that the government is also eyeing a significant increase in irrigated output, thanks to climate adaptation measures, and expanding the fisheries and livestock sectors to unlock new export potential.
She has also mentioned a major milestone, which is the target of generating US$1 billion in beef exports, positioning Zambia as a competitive player in regional and global markets.
To support economic diversification, Ms. Nankala says the government will continue implementing an energy mix and policy reforms to achieve a reliable electricity supply.
