The economy of Zambia is one of the fastest growing economies in Africa and its capital, Lusaka is the fastest growing city in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Zambia itself is one of Sub-Saharan Africa's most highly urbanized countries.
About one-half of the country's 16 million people are concentrated in a few urban zones strung along the major transportation corridors, while rural areas are under-populated.
Unemployment and underemployment are serious problems.
National GDP has actually doubled since independence, but due in large part to high birth rates per capita annual incomes are currently at about two-thirds of their levels at independence.
As of 2018, Zambia's  GDP per capita, PPP (current international dollars) stands at $4,216.46 .

For the first time since 1989 Zambia's economic growth reached the 6%-7% mark (in 2007) needed to reduce poverty significantly.
 Copper output has increased steadily since 2004, due to higher copper prices and the opening of new mines.
The maize harvest was again good in 2005, helping boost GDP and agricultural exports.
Cooperation continues with international bodies on programs to reduce poverty, including a new lending arrangement with the IMF in the second quarter of 2004.
A tighter monetary policy will help cut inflation, but Zambia still has a serious problem with high public debt.
The economy of Zambia is one of the fastest growing economies in Africa and its capital, Lusaka is the fastest growing city in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Zambia itself is one of Sub-Saharan Africa's most highly urbanized countries. About one-half of the country's 16 million people are concentrated in a few urban zones strung along the major transportation corridors, while rural areas are under-populated. Unemployment and underemployment are serious problems. National GDP has actually doubled since independence, but due in large part to high birth rates per capita annual incomes are currently at about two-thirds of their levels at independence. As of 2018, Zambia's  GDP per capita, PPP (current international dollars) stands at $4,216.46 .
For the first time since 1989 Zambia's economic growth reached the 6%-7% mark (in 2007) needed to reduce poverty significantly.  Copper output has increased steadily since 2004, due to higher copper prices and the opening of new mines. The maize harvest was again good in 2005, helping boost GDP and agricultural exports. Cooperation continues with international bodies on programs to reduce poverty, including a new lending arrangement with the IMF in the second quarter of 2004. A tighter monetary policy will help cut inflation, but Zambia still has a serious problem with high public debt.
Economy of Zambia