Zimbabwe Military Spending
Defense budget and military expenditure data (1964–2026)
Key Facts (2026 estimate)
Military Expenditure
$1.4 billion
Ranked #73 of 148 countries worldwide
Percent of GDP
0.5%
Ranked #147 of 157 countries by % of GDP
Year-over-Year Change
+2.9%
From $1.4B in 2025
Historical Peak Spending
$3.0 billion
Reached in 2002
Zimbabwe Defense Budget Summary
In 2026, Zimbabwe is estimated to have spent $1.4 billion on military and defense, representing 0.5% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This budget covers the armed forces including army, navy, and air force expenditures. Zimbabwe is the #73 highest military spender in the world by absolute spending.
Compared to the previous year (2025), defense spending increased by 2.9%, from $1.4 billion to $1.4 billion. This change in the military budget reflects growing defense priorities.
The highest percentage of GDP allocated to defense spending was 8.5% in 1979. The historical average military budget is 3.0% 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) | 0.52% | $1,399M |
| 2025(estimate) | 0.52% | $1,360M |
| 2024 | 0.35% | $1,320M |
| 2023 | 0.21% | $870M |
| 2022 | 0.99% | $2,302M |
| 2021 | 1.57% | $2,591M |
| 2020 | 0.97% | $1,415M |
| 2019 | 0.65% | $1,072M |
| 2018 | 1.18% | $1,171M |
| 2017 | 1.47% | $1,049M |
| 2016 | 1.74% | $1,113M |
| 2015 | 1.89% | $1,153M |
| 2014 | 1.89% | $1,099M |
| 2013 | 1.87% | $1,063M |
| 2012 | 1.86% | $964M |
| 2011 | 1.41% | $623M |
| 2010 | 0.82% | $319M |
| 2006 | 1.99% | $403M |
| 2005 | 1.45% | $436M |
| 2004 | 2.71% | $581M |