Zambia Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1984–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$427 million
Ranked #109 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
1.3%
Ranked #113 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+2.9%
From $415M in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$427 million
Reached in 2026
Zambia Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Zambia is estimated to have spent $427 million on military and defense, representing 1.3% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Zambia is the #109 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 2.9%, from $415 million to $427 million. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 4.2% in 1989. The historical average military budget is 1.8% of GDP.
Data source: SIPRI Military Expenditure Database. Values are in constant 2023 US dollars. Data for 2026 is an estimate based on government budget announcements.
Historical Military Spending
Military Spending (% of GDP)
Military Spending (USD Billions, 2023 prices)
Historical Data
| Year | Percent of GDP | USD (millions) |
|---|---|---|
| 2026(estimate) | 1.26% | $427M |
| 2025(estimate) | 1.26% | $415M |
| 2024 | 1.33% | $403M |
| 2023 | 1.34% | $377M |
| 2022 | 1.12% | $309M |
| 2021 | 0.98% | $270M |
| 2020 | 1.17% | $294M |
| 2019 | 1.26% | $331M |
| 2018 | 1.44% | $379M |
| 2017 | 1.30% | $330M |
| 2016 | 1.43% | $339M |
| 2015 | 1.75% | $416M |
| 2014 | 1.63% | $389M |
| 2013 | 1.36% | $316M |
| 2012 | 1.36% | $293M |
| 2011 | 1.32% | $263M |
| 2010 | 1.38% | $251M |
| 2009 | 1.73% | $226M |
| 2008 | 2.08% | $239M |
| 2007 | 2.06% | $240M |