Business Reporter
THE International Monetary Fund has approved a new 10-month Staff-Monitored Programme (SMP) for Zimbabwe, in a major endorsement of the country’s economic reform agenda and macroeconomic stabilisation efforts.
Approved on April 16, the non-financing programme is aimed at consolidating recent economic gains, strengthening macroeconomic management and supporting Zimbabwe’s re-engagement with the international community.
The development comes as Zimbabwe records significant macroeconomic progress, including a sharp decline in inflation. Annual inflation fell to 4.4 percent in March 2026, underpinned by a stable exchange rate, tight monetary policy and improved fiscal discipline.
The SMP will focus on prudent budget execution, stronger cash and expenditure controls, sustained monetary discipline and governance reforms designed to improve transparency and contain fiscal risks.
It will also support efforts to strengthen social protection systems, particularly through the operationalisation of the Zimbabwe Social Registry.
