Africazine:
Zambia’s inflation rate has seen a significant decline, reflecting changing price dynamics in the market.
The Zambia Statistics Agency reports that annual inflation for January 2026 dropped to 9.4 percent from 11.2 percent in December 2025. This change is largely due to fluctuations in food and non-food item prices, with food inflation recorded at 10.9 percent and non-food inflation at 7.3 percent.
Zambia’s Inflation Rate Declines Significantly
The latest figures from the Zambia Statistics Agency indicate a notable decrease in the annual inflation rate. The drop from 11.2 percent in December 2025 to 9.4 percent in January 2026 marks a significant improvement. This shift is attributed to the price movements of both food and non-food items.
Food inflation specifically saw a reduction from 12.9 percent in December to 10.9 percent in January. This decline suggests that the prices of essential food items, including cereals, fruits, vegetables, and cooking oil, have stabilized.
Zambia: Key figures on inflation
- Annual inflation for January 2026: 9.4 percent
- Annual inflation for December 2025: 11.2 percent
- Annual food inflation for January 2026: 10.9 percent
- Annual food inflation for December 2025: 12.9 percent
- Annual non-food inflation for January 2026: 7.3 percent
- Annual non-food inflation for December 2025: 8.7 percent
Factors Influencing Zambia’s Inflation Rates
The decline in inflation is primarily linked to the price movements of various goods. For food items, the prices of cereals, fruits, and cooking oil have shown a notable shift. On the non-food side, prices for fuel, passenger transport, and motor vehicles have also contributed to the overall inflation change.
These price adjustments reflect broader economic trends and consumer behavior, indicating a potential stabilization in the market.
Next Steps for Zambia’s Economic Monitoring
- Continued monitoring of food and non-food price movements.
- Regular updates from the Zambia Statistics Agency on inflation trends.
- Assessment of external factors affecting price stability.
Zambia’s inflation rate is on a downward trend, signaling potential economic stabilization.
