Zambia’s economy has picked up in 2017 from the tough conditions of 2015 and 2016. Copper priceshave firmed, but they remain low when compared to their peak. However, the big challenge remains with ensuring a shift to fiscal sustainability. Bold actions are needed to clear arrears and ensure they do not build up again in the future. Brief includes two sections: the World Bank’sassessment of recent economic developments and the outlook in the short to medium term, and itsanalysis of a specific development topic or theme.