Publication: Zambia Economic Brief, June 2017: Reaping Richer Returns from Public Expenditures in Agriculture
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2017-06-01
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2017-06-01
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Zambia’s economy has picked up in 2017 from the tough conditions of 2015 and 2016. Copper priceshave firmed, but they remain low when compared to their peak. However, the big challenge remains with ensuring a shift to fiscal sustainability. Bold actions are needed to clear arrears and ensure they do not build up again in the future. Brief includes two sections: the World Bank’sassessment of recent economic developments and the outlook in the short to medium term, and itsanalysis of a specific development topic or theme.
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“World Bank Group. 2017. Zambia Economic Brief, June 2017: Reaping Richer Returns from Public Expenditures in Agriculture. © World Bank. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/27521 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”
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Publication Zambia Economic Brief, June 2014 : Promoting Trade and Competitiveness - What Can Zambia Do?(World Bank, Washington, DC, 2014-06)Zambia continues to experience strong growth, but challenges are building up. Copper prices are declining, and global financial conditions are tightening. At home, the fiscal deficit is becoming difficult to manage, and Zambia's currency has sharply depreciated. The government intends to reduce future budget deficits, but this would involve making difficult political choices. In the past few years inflation and interest rates have declined and the currency has been relatively stable, providing an environment for growth and reducing poverty. High inflation would hurt the poor most. 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