Zimbabwe’s economy is expected to contract this year due to a drought and severe power cuts, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said on Thursday, without providing a figure.
The country had initially forecast the economy to grow 3.1 percent in 2019.
Ncube also said Zimbabwe would defer publication of year-on-year inflation until February 2020 following the adoption of a new currency in June.
Prices of basic goods and services have more than doubled since June, piling pressure on citizens struggling with shortages. That has stirred memories of economic chaos a decade ago, when rampant money-printing fuelled hyperinflation and forced the country to abandon its currency in 2009.
READ MORE
Rising costs hit Kenyan companies, consumer wallets
Social Market Economy model can boost trade in East Africa
Ruto's re-election bid tested by cost of living promise
Cost of living crisis deepens as inflation hits 7.3pc ahead of polls