Government Expenditure: Zambia
Zambia's government expenditure is currently 26.669 % of GDP as of 2026. # Zambia Government Expenditure Government expenditure in Zambia reached 26.
Current (2026)
26.669 % of GDP
-4.8% y/y
Peak (2020)
34.031 % of GDP
Low (2009)
17.807 % of GDP
Source
IMF World Economic Outlook
2004–2026 · 23 pts
Government Expenditure — Zambia
2004 — 2026
Government Expenditure — Zambia
Analysis# Zambia Government Expenditure
Government expenditure in Zambia reached 26.669% of GDP in 2026, down from its all-time peak of 34.031% in 2020. Since 2004, spending has increased 14.6 percentage points overall, rising from a low of 17.807% in 2009. The current level reflects a moderate fiscal position relative to Zambia's two-decade spending history.
The most significant turning point occurred during 2019–2020, when expenditure surged to 34.031%, likely driven by pandemic-related stimulus and emergency spending. Following this peak, spending declined steadily through 2024, reaching 25.477% before a modest uptick in 2025. The 2026 projection of 26.669% suggests stabilization around the mid-to-high range of recent years, indicating government efforts to maintain moderate fiscal discipline while sustaining essential services.
Historical Data
23 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26.669 % of GDP | -4.85% |
| 2025 | 28.028 % of GDP | +10.01% |
| 2024 | 25.477 % of GDP | -6.96% |
| 2023 | 27.384 % of GDP | -2.91% |
| 2022 | 28.204 % of GDP | -7.54% |
| 2021 | 30.504 % of GDP | -10.36% |
| 2020 | 34.031 % of GDP | +14.12% |
| 2019 | 29.82 % of GDP | +7.53% |
| 2018 | 27.733 % of GDP | +11.05% |
| 2017 | 24.974 % of GDP | +4.37% |
| 2016 | 23.928 % of GDP | -13.45% |
| 2015 | 27.648 % of GDP | +13.65% |
| 2014 | 24.328 % of GDP | +1.26% |
| 2013 | 24.025 % of GDP | +9.94% |
| 2012 | 21.852 % of GDP | +11.91% |
| 2011 | 19.527 % of GDP | +8.09% |
| 2010 | 18.066 % of GDP | +1.45% |
| 2009 | 17.807 % of GDP | -8.48% |
| 2008 | 19.457 % of GDP | -2.34% |
| 2007 | 19.923 % of GDP | +1.17% |
Show all 23 rows
| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | 19.692 % of GDP | -12.29% |
| 2005 | 22.451 % of GDP | -3.53% |
| 2004 | 23.273 % of GDP | — |
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