This study attempts to show the macroeconomic effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on a small mineral dependent economy in Africa like Zambia. In particular, it focuses on GDP and sectoral GDP growth and employment, as well as the external sector.
The analysis shows that for small countries that are dependent on a single (or a few) primary commodities, the recovery of the global economy is very crucial for their growth and development.
It addresses the possible policy responses, for resource dependent economies such as Zambia, of both the government and the private sector, as well as the potential implications of a global demand-led recovery policy option, as proposed by the UN Global Policy Model in its analysis in UNCTAD Trade and Development Report 2020.
Finally, the paper discusses the scope for demand led recovery in Zambia and in doing so it examines the socio-economic effect of the pandemic, including its gender dimension. The conclusion draws policy implications for a sustainable economic recovery in Zambia.
