As of 2024, the top 1% in Zimbabwe earned 21.07% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 9.23%. Zimbabwe’s income inequality has increased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 15.93%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Zimbabwe in 2024
In 2024, income in Zimbabwe was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 21.07% of total national income, which is notably higher than the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 9.23% of income, notably lower than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Zimbabwe | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 21.07% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 58.95% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 9.23% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Zimbabwe?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Zimbabwe’s top 1% has increased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 15.93% of national income. By 2024, this figure had risen by 5.14 percentage points to 21.07%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Zimbabwe has widened over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 51.37% while the bottom 50% received 11.88%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 58.95% and 9.23% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 15.93% | 51.37% | 11.88% | 39.49 pp |
| 1986 | 15.93% | 51.37% | 11.88% | 39.49 pp |
| 1992 | 15.93% | 51.37% | 11.88% | 39.49 pp |
| 1998 | 15.93% | 51.37% | 11.88% | 39.49 pp |
| 2004 | 15.93% | 51.37% | 11.88% | 39.49 pp |
| 2010 | 15.93% | 51.37% | 11.88% | 39.49 pp |
| 2016 | 17.23% | 52.37% | 11.35% | 41.02 pp |
| 2022 | 21.07% | 58.95% | 9.23% | 49.72 pp |
How Zimbabwe Compares Globally
Zimbabwe vs Africa Average
Compared to other countries in Africa, Zimbabwe’s top 1% income share of 21.07% is notably higher than the regional average of 15.62%. The bottom 50% in Zimbabwe receives 9.23% of income, compared to the Africa average of 13.46%.
Where Zimbabwe Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Zimbabwe ranks 44th out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Zimbabwe ranks 173rd out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Zimbabwe include Georgia's wealth gap, Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda's income inequality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Zimbabwe?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Zimbabwe earned 21.07% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered very high by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Zimbabwe?
Income inequality in Zimbabwe has increased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 15.93% in 1980 to 21.07% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Zimbabwe?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Zimbabwe received 9.23% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 58.95%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.