Timothy Pemba

The World Bank has delisted Zimbabwe from its severe fragility ratings - fragile and conflict-affected economies - with effect from July 1. The decision officially removes the country from what was formerly known as the Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations list, which has been updated under the bank's revised Fragility, Conflict, and Violence classification framework. The World Bank says a significant economic rebound, with Zimbabwe recording a growth rate of 7.5% in 2025, positioning it among the fastest-growing economies in Sub-Saharan Africa is one of the reasons behind its decision. The country has experienced improved foreign currency receipts, a reduction in extreme hyperinflation, and relatively stable currency conditions. Improvements in the World Bank's Country Policy and Institutional Assessment score also pulled Zimbabwe out of the "higher institutional and social fragility" category. Global investment entities, including Citigroup, supported the positive outlook, noting Zimbabwe's turnaround is moving faster than general market perceptions suggest. This reclassification is expected to significantly boost Zimbabwe's international credit rating and sovereign standing, making it more attractive for foreign direct investment and improving relations with international financial institutions as it pursues its Vision 2030 upper-middle-income goals.