Zambia began talks with an International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission on 30 September on a new programme to replace the $1.7 billion arrangement that expired in January. The mission runs until 10 October, and the finance ministry wants a deal before the end of the year. The government says the new programme should move from stabilisation towards private-sector growth, exports and jobs, targeting average growth of 7% over three years. A fresh IMF anchor would reassure bondholders who took losses in Zambia’s debt restructuring and support the kwacha and borrowing costs. The IMF said it was premature to speculate on timing or outcomes.