KEY POINTS

• Zimbabwe projects 8.3% economic growth in 2026, while the IMF forecasts 5%.

• Opposition MP Edwin Mushoriwa says growth figures do not reflect citizens’ living conditions.

• Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube is expected to present the 2027 budget next week.

Zimbabwean opposition legislator Edwin Mushoriwa has dismissed the government’s economic growth projections as unrealistic, arguing that the reported improvement in the economy has not translated into better living conditions for ordinary citizens.

The government is projecting economic growth of 8.3 per cent, supported largely by strong performance in the agricultural sector. However, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecast a lower growth rate of 5 per cent for Zimbabwe in 2026.

Speaking during a recent session of the National Assembly, Mushoriwa said the government’s positive economic figures did not reflect the daily experiences of many Zimbabweans, who continue to face challenges with the cost of living.

He argued that economic performance should be measured by improvements in household incomes, access to basic necessities and general living standards rather than headline GDP figures.

Mushoriwa questions impact of economic growth

Mushoriwa said President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s State of the Nation Address presented an overly positive assessment of the country’s economic situation.

According to the opposition legislator, the government’s projections painted a picture of a healthy economy without adequately addressing the difficulties experienced by citizens.

He maintained that ordinary Zimbabweans were more concerned about whether their financial circumstances had improved than whether national economic indicators were rising.

Mushoriwa questioned the value of higher gross domestic product figures if households continued to struggle to afford basic necessities.

He said the economic realities facing citizens did not correspond with the positive picture presented by the government.

ZANU PF legislator defends government’s record

However, ZANU PF legislator Elizabeth Masuku defended the government’s economic performance, attributing the reported improvements to President Mnangagwa’s leadership.

Masuku said inflation had fallen to single-digit levels since January, while foreign currency inflows reached $10.7 billion in the first half of 2026.

She also pointed to the government’s projected 8.3 per cent economic growth rate as evidence of progress.

According to Masuku, the government’s priority should now be ensuring that the reported economic stability benefits households, businesses and young people.

Her comments presented a contrasting position to Mushoriwa’s criticism, with the two lawmakers offering different assessments of the impact of the government’s economic policies.

2027 budget expected to address cost-of-living concerns

The disagreement comes ahead of the presentation of Zimbabwe’s proposed 2027 national budget by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube next week.

Attention is expected to focus on whether the budget will introduce measures to support low-income households through social services and safety-net programmes.

The debate over economic growth has also renewed questions about the gap between official economic projections and the financial pressures facing ordinary citizens.

Although the government has pointed to lower inflation, increased foreign currency inflows and stronger growth prospects, concerns remain over whether these developments are improving household purchasing power and living standards.

The 2027 budget will therefore face pressure to translate the reported economic gains into tangible benefits for households and businesses.