The annual inflation rate in Malawi slowed for the fourth consecutive month to 20.0% in August 2026, down from 20.8% in the previous month. It was the lowest inflation rate since May 2022, as both food and non-food inflation eased. Food inflation, which continues to be the main driver of inflation in Malawi, eased to 13.4% in August from 14.3% in July, marking the softest increase since November 2021, particularly as prices of cereals such as rice, maize, and maize flour moderated. Non-food inflation also slowed to 31.8% from 32.2%, with charcoal and firewood prices under housing, water, and electricity contributing to the increase. On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose by 2.0%, the same pace as in July, remaining the fastest increase in six months. source: National Statistical Office of Malawi

Inflation Rate in Malawi decreased to 20 percent in August from 20.80 percent in July of 2026. Inflation Rate in Malawi averaged 16.32 percent from 2001 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 37.90 percent in February of 2013 and a record low of 6.30 percent in December of 2010. This page provides the latest reported value for - Malawi Inflation Rate - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news. Malawi Inflation Rate - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on October of 2026.

Inflation Rate in Malawi decreased to 20 percent in August from 20.80 percent in July of 2026. Inflation Rate in Malawi is expected to be 21.40 percent by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. In the long-term, the Malawi Inflation Rate is projected to trend around 21.00 percent in 2027 and 17.00 percent in 2028, according to our econometric models.



Calendar GMT Reference Actual Previous Consensus TEForecast
2026-08-21 01:30 PM
Inflation Rate YoY
Jul 20.8% 21.1% 20.4%
2026-09-21 11:15 PM
Inflation Rate YoY
Aug 20.0% 20.8% 20.5%
2026-10-15 02:00 PM
Inflation Rate YoY
Sep 20.0% 21.4%


Related Last Previous Unit Reference
Consumer Price Index CPI 297.10 291.30 points Aug 2026
CPI Clothing 272.10 271.20 points Jul 2026
CPI Education 150.90 150.90 points Jul 2026
CPI Food 326.50 317.20 points Jul 2026
CPI Health 229.70 228.20 points Jul 2026
CPI Housing Utilities 273.00 271.10 points Jul 2026
CPI Recreation and Culture 149.10 149.00 points Jul 2026
CPI Restaurants and Hotels 247.10 241.80 points Jul 2026
CPI Transportation 289.60 287.10 points Jul 2026
Food Inflation 13.40 14.30 percent Aug 2026
Inflation Rate YoY 20.00 20.80 percent Aug 2026
Inflation Rate MoM 2.00 2.00 percent Aug 2026


Malawi Inflation Rate
In Malawi, the inflation rate measures a broad rise or fall in prices that consumers pay for a standard basket of goods.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
20.00 20.80 37.90 6.30 2001 - 2026 percent Monthly
2021M12=100

News Stream
Malawi Inflation Eases to Lowest Since 2022
The annual inflation rate in Malawi slowed for the fourth consecutive month to 20.0% in August 2026, down from 20.8% in the previous month. It was the lowest inflation rate since May 2022, as both food and non-food inflation eased. Food inflation, which continues to be the main driver of inflation in Malawi, eased to 13.4% in August from 14.3% in July, marking the softest increase since November 2021, particularly as prices of cereals such as rice, maize, and maize flour moderated. Non-food inflation also slowed to 31.8% from 32.2%, with charcoal and firewood prices under housing, water, and electricity contributing to the increase. On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose by 2.0%, the same pace as in July, remaining the fastest increase in six months.
2026-09-21
Malawi Inflation Rate Eased in May
The annual inflation rate in Malawi eased to 23.4% in May 2026, down from 24.3% in April. Food costs, which continue to be the main driver of inflation in Malawi, eased to 17.6% from 19.1% in the previous month, particularly cereals such as rice, maize, and maize flour, moderated. Non-food prices increased by 33%, from 33.2%, with upward price pressures from housing and utilities and transportations. On a monthly basis, consumer prices declined by 0.2% after a 2.9% drop in April.
2026-06-19
Malawi Inflation Rate Accelerates
Malawi's annual inflation rate accelerated to 24.3% in April 2026, up from 23.8% in March. This marks the highest level in three months, as non-food inflation rose to a record high of 33.2%, from 30.7% in March, due to higher petrol and diesel prices and reflecting higher costs in transports and housing and utilities. In contrast, food inflation eased to 19.1% from 20%. On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose declined 2.5%, reversing a 0.6% increase in the previous month.
2026-05-21