By Ellen Hambuba
Zambia’s inflation rate has fallen into single digits, easing to 9.4 per cent in January 2026 from 11.2 per cent in December.
Zambia Statistics Agency Acting Statistician General SHEILA MUDENDA says the slowdown has been driven largely by declining food and non-food prices.
According to the latest Consumer Price Index released today, food inflation eased following price reductions in maize meal, maize grain, rice, wheat flour, fruits, vegetables, cooking oil and cereals.
These remain key staples for most Zambian households.
Ms. MUDENDA says the fall in food prices contributed significantly to the overall slowdown in inflation.
Non-food inflation also declined, slowing to 7.3 per cent from 8.7 per cent.
This was mainly attributed to lower fuel prices, reduced airfares and falling costs of motor vehicles.
Ms. MUDENDA notes that monthly non-food inflation dropped sharply to minus 3.0 per cent, reflecting reduced prices for fuel, lubricants, air transport and vehicles.
At sector level, inflation slowed in transport, food and non-alcoholic beverages, education, communication and recreation, supporting the broader easing trend.
However, upward price movements were recorded in housing, health, restaurants and hotels, as well as clothing, indicating uneven inflation patterns across the economy.
