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UKWIMI TRADES TRAINING
INSTITUTE
ENTREPRENUERSHIP – SOCIAL WORK
TERM 2 – SESSION 3
MAXWELL MUSONDA
TOPIC COVERED TODAY:
Economic Trends in Zambia
• DEFINATION OF TERMS
• ECONOMIC GROWTH AND PERFORMANCE
• SECTORAL CONTRIBUTIONS
• POLICY AND REFORMS
DEFINATION OF TERMS
• ECONOMICS: - The branch of knowledge concerned with the
production, consumption, and transfer of wealth.
• Gross Domestic Product (GDP): - the total value of goods produced
and services provided in a country during one year.
• INFLATION: - a general increase in the prices of goods and services in
an economy
• INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND(IMF): - it works to help reduce
poverty, encourage trade, and promote financial stability and
economic growth around the world
Economic Growth and Performance
• GDP Growth
• Inflation
• Foreign Investment
GDP Growth
• Zambia's GDP growth has fluctuated in recent years, impacted by
external factors like global commodity prices and internal factors such
as policy decisions. The economy has faced slow growth due to a
reliance on copper exports and external debt.
Inflation
• Inflation rates have been high, driven by depreciation of the Zambian
kwacha and rising food prices. In 2023, inflation was around 11-13%,
affecting purchasing power and living standards.
Foreign Investment
• Foreign direct investment (FDI) has been inconsistent, with increased
investment in mining and energy but hindered by policy instability
and concerns about debt sustainability.
SECTORAL CONTRIBUTIONS
• Mining
• Agriculture
• Services and Manufacturing]
MINING
• Copper mining remains the cornerstone of Zambia's economy,
contributing significantly to GDP and export earnings. However,
reliance on mining makes the economy vulnerable to commodity price
fluctuations.
AGRICULTURE
• Despite its potential, agriculture remains underdeveloped, with low
productivity and limited value addition. Efforts are ongoing to
diversify and enhance agricultural output through technological
adoption and infrastructure improvements.
POLICY AND REFORMS
• Economic Diversification
• Debt Management
• Business Environment
ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION
• The Zambian government emphasizes diversifying the economy away
from copper dependency. Initiatives include promoting agriculture,
tourism, and renewable energy.
DEBT MANAGEMENT
• High levels of external debt have prompted efforts to restructure and
manage debt sustainably. The government seeks IMF support and
other financial assistance to stabilize the economy.
BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT
• Reforms aim to improve the business climate by simplifying regulatory
procedures, enhancing infrastructure, and tackling corruption. The
aim is to foster a more conducive environment for both local and
foreign entrepreneurs.