Zambia economic brief: reaping richer returns from public expenditure in agriculture
Zambia’s economy has shown recovery in 2017, but stronger growth and better macroeconomic indicators have not resulted in better fiscal indicators, according to a new World Bank Economic Brief. The Brief, Reaping Richer Returns from Public Expenditure in Agriculture, says economic growth—which stood at 3.4% for 2016—is expected to increase to 4.1% for 2017, largely because of firmer copper prices and forecasts that point to a good 2017 harvest. The Brief notes that Zambia’s government has been making progress with its economic recovery plan “Zambia Plus,” progress that has included: the clearance of US$462 million in arrears; the removal of fuel subsidies; and reduced electricity subsidies.