ZAMBIA's annual inflation rate remained unchanged at 6.5% in July 2026, the same level recorded in June, the Zambia Statistics Agency has said. Speaking during the monthly inflation briefing in Lusaka, ZAMSTAT Statistician General Sheila Mudenda said the July rate means that, on average, the prices of goods and services increased by 6.5% between July

Audio article Listen to this story Share Send this story

ZAMBIA’s annual inflation rate remained unchanged at 6.5% in July 2026, the same level recorded in June, the Zambia Statistics Agency has said.

Speaking during the monthly inflation briefing in Lusaka, ZAMSTAT Statistician General Sheila Mudenda said the July rate means that, on average, the prices of goods and services increased by 6.5% between July 2025 and July 2026.

Mudenda said annual food inflation eased to 6.4% in July from 6.7% in June. The slowdown was mainly attributed to price movements in cereals, fresh milk, sugar, cooking oil and eggs.

She said the drop reflected average increases in the prices of food items such as breakfast mealie meal, roller mealie meal, maize grain, local rice, plain household wheat flour, fresh milk, sugar, cooking oil and eggs over the past 12 months.

However, annual non-food inflation rose to 6.7% in July from 6.0% in June.

“This was mainly attributed to increases in the prices of furniture and furnishings, including coffee tables, wardrobes and dining suites, as well as paraffin, charcoal and motor vehicles,” Mudenda said.

The steady headline rate comes as government targets stronger domestic financing for the 2026 National Budget and continues efforts to manage cost-of-living pressures.

Advertisement Advertise here Reach readers inside premium article pages.

Engage with this story

Comment 0Likes 0Reactions 0Comments 0Shares Be the first reader to react to this story

Discussion

Join the Conversation

Share your thoughts. Let's keep it respectful and constructive.

Start the discussion Sort by: No comments yetBe the first to bring a thoughtful perspective to this story. Comment as a guest No account is needed. Sign in only if you want your comment tied to your profile. Sign in instead