Zambia—Fiscal Balance (% of GDP)
Category: Fiscal & MonetarySource: IMF World Economic Outlook ↗Global Rank: #144 of 192Updated August 2026
Latest Value
-2.0%
2031
YoY Change
-33.3%
2030 → 2031
Global Rank
#144
of 192 countries
Maximum
16.9%
2006
Minimum
-13.8%
2020
Last
-2.0%
Previous
-1.5%
Highest
16.9%
Lowest
-13.8%
Unit
Percent of GDP
Source
IMF World Economic Outlook
Zambia's fiscal balance (% of GDP) was -4.9% in 2026, ranking #144 out of 192 countries. This represents a -33.3% change from 2030. Over the past 27 years, the highest recorded value was 16.9% (2006) and the lowest was -13.8% (2020). The IMF WEO projects -2.0% by 2031. Data sourced from the IMF World Economic Outlook.
Actual
IMF Forecast
Source: IMF World Economic Outlook
Historical Data
| Year | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2031 | -2.0% | -33.3% |
| 2030 | -1.5% | +21.1% |
| 2029 | -1.9% | +38.7% |
| 2028 | -3.1% | +29.5% |
| 2027 | -4.4% | +10.2% |
| 2026 | -4.9% | -28.9% |
| 2025 | -3.8% | -8.6% |
| 2024 | -3.5% | +36.4% |
| 2023 | -5.5% | +29.5% |
| 2022 | -7.8% | +3.7% |
| 2021 | -8.1% | +41.3% |
| 2020 | -13.8% | -46.8% |
| 2019 | -9.4% | -13.3% |
| 2018 | -8.3% | -10.7% |
| 2017 | -7.5% | -31.6% |
| 2016 | -5.7% | +36.0% |
| 2015 | -8.9% | -64.8% |
| 2014 | -5.4% | +15.6% |
| 2013 | -6.4% | -100.0% |
| 2012 | -3.2% | -77.8% |
| 2011 | -1.8% | +25.0% |
| 2010 | -2.4% | -14.3% |
| 2009 | -2.1% | -200.0% |
| 2008 | -0.7% | +30.0% |
| 2007 | -1.0% | -105.9% |
| 2006 | 16.9% | +804.2% |
| 2005 | -2.4% | +4.0% |
| 2004 | -2.5% | +52.8% |
| 2003 | -5.3% | -17.8% |
| 2002 | -4.5% | +23.7% |
| 2001 | -5.9% | -591.7% |
| 2000 | 1.2% |
IMF Forecast
Projections from the IMF World Economic Outlook. These are staff estimates, not guarantees.
| Year | Projected Value | Change from Previous |
|---|---|---|
| 2026Forecast | -4.9% | -28.9% |
| 2027Forecast | -4.4% | +10.2% |
| 2028Forecast | -3.1% | +29.5% |
| 2029Forecast | -1.9% | +38.7% |
| 2030Forecast | -1.5% | +21.1% |
| 2031Forecast | -2.0% | -33.3% |
Top Countries — Fiscal Balance (% of GDP)
| # | Country | Value | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kuwait | 27.6% | 2026 |
| 2 | Naoero | 13.1% | 2026 |
| 3 | Norway | 10.2% | 2026 |
| 4 | Oman | 5.2% | 2026 |
| 5 | United Arab Emirates | 4.9% | 2026 |
| 6 | Lesotho | 4.2% | 2026 |
| 7 | Macao SAR, China | 4.2% | 2026 |
| 8 | Singapore | 3.3% | 2026 |
| 9 | Lebanon | 3.3% | 2025 |
| 10 | Liechtenstein | 3.0% | 2026 |
About This Indicator
Definition
General government net lending/borrowing as a percentage of GDP. A positive value indicates a fiscal surplus; negative indicates a deficit.
Methodology
Revenue minus expenditure minus net acquisition of nonfinancial assets, as a percentage of GDP. A comprehensive measure of the fiscal balance.
Unit
Percent of GDP