ZAMBIA’S UNEMPLOYMENT RATE DROPS TO 9.9%

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Posted by admin on April 23, 2026 at 9:44 AM

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The Zambia Statistics Agency (ZAMSTATS) has announced plans to rebase the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2026, a move aimed at capturing sectoral shifts, economic diversification, and structural changes.

Statistician General Sheilah Mudenda explained that rebasing ensures more accurate economic analysis and improved policymaking, aligning Zambia with international best practices. She noted that according to global standards, rebasing should be done every five years.

Speaking at a town hall meeting on Zambia’s economic performance for the first quarter of 2026, Ms. Mudenda revealed that ZAMSTATS has launched the 2025 Economic Establishment Census, which will compile a comprehensive list of active establishments for statistical purposes. The next steps include conducting the annual business register and preparing data collection materials.

Ms. Mudenda also reported positive labour market trends The employment ratio rose from 34.3% in 2023 to 37.1% in 2025.

The national unemployment rate fell from 12.9% in 2021 to 9.9% in 2025.