Research & development spending as a share of GDP in Zambia
Zambia: Research & development spending as a share of GDP was 0.3% in 2008. ◆ Volatile
Research & development spending as a share of GDP in Zambia, 1996–2008
Source: UNESCO UIS Stat Bulk Data Download Service, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data. Measured in % of GDP.
Analysis
The most recent figure for research & development spending as a share of gdp in Zambia is 0.3%, measured in 2008. That is the highest value across all 7 years on record.
That represents a change of up 1,015.9% on the previous year and up 3,674.6% over ten years.
Over the whole period, research & development spending as a share of gdp in Zambia peaked at 0.3% in 2008 and was at its lowest, 0.0%, in 2002.
That places Zambia 79th out of 116 countries with data for 2008, putting it in the middle of the range.
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990s | 0.0% | 0.0% | 0.0% | 2 |
| 2000s | 0.1% | 0.0% | 0.3% | 5 |
Countries ranked near Zambia
More science & technology data for Zambia
- Scientific and technical journal articles 367.3 (2023)
- Mobile phone subscriptions 23.17 million (2024)
- Mobile phone subscriptions per 100 people 108.7 per 100 people (2024)
- Mobile and landline phone subscriptions per 100 people 108.7 per 100 people (2024)
- Patent applications, nonresidents 13 (2021)
- Share of the population using the Internet 17.1% (2024)
- Patent applications, residents 13 (2021)
- Research and development expenditure 0.3% (2008)
- Number of people using the Internet 2.91 million users (2021)
- Landline Internet subscriptions per 100 people 0.7898 per 100 people (2024)
Frequently asked questions
- What is research & development spending as a share of gdp in Zambia?
- Research & development spending as a share of gdp in Zambia was 0.3% in 2008, according to UNESCO UIS Stat Bulk Data Download Service, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest research & development spending as a share of gdp recorded in Zambia?
- The highest recorded value was 0.3% in 2008.
- What is the lowest research & development spending as a share of gdp recorded in Zambia?
- The lowest recorded value was 0.0% in 2002.
- How does Zambia rank for research & development spending as a share of gdp?
- Zambia ranks 79th out of 116 countries with data for 2008.
- Is research & development spending as a share of gdp rising or falling in Zambia?
- Over the last ten years it is up 3,674.6%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this Zambia data come from?
- The figures come from UNESCO UIS Stat Bulk Data Download Service, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data, published as part of Research & development spending as a share of GDP. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
Includes basic research, applied research, and experimental development.