
IMF board approves Zambia programme review, unlocking about $184mln
The fund said the loan programme would seek to "entrench macroeconomic stability, restore debt and fiscal sustainability, enhance public governance, and foster inclusive growth" for Zambia.
The copper-rich Southern African country is recovering from a severe regional drought, which curbed economic growth after years of protracted debt-restructuring negotiations.
Zambia battled its way to a restructuring deal with its primary creditors last year. It has yet to agree terms with some smaller creditors including Afreximbank.
Its finance ministry expects growth to pick up 5.8% this year and 6.4% in 2026.
Analysts do not foresee U.S. President Donald Trump's 50% tariff on copper being a major drag on growth as exports to the U.S. are limited and volatility in the copper price is expected to be temporary. (Reporting by Kopano Gumbi and Abu Sultan; Editing by Chris Reese and David Gregorio)
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