Malawi Inflation Rate Eased in January

Malawi’s annual inflation rate eased to 24.1% in February 2026, the lowest level since July 2022, down from 24.9% in January. The slowdown was largely due to food inflation, which fell to 20.8% from 22.1% in the previous month. In contrast, non-food inflation edged up to 30% from 29.8%. This increase was mainly attributed to stronger price pressures in housing and utilities, alcoholic beverages and tobacco, and transport, largely linked to higher fuel prices. On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 3.2%, down from 3.7% in the previous month.

The annual inflation rate in Malawi eased for the third month to 24.9% in January 2026, the lowest since July 2022, compared to December's 26%. Food inflation slowed to 22.1% in January from 26.5% in December, while non-food inflation accelerated to 29.8% from 25.2% in the previous month. On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 3.7%, after a 3% increase in the prior month.

The annual inflation rate in Malawi slowed to 26.0% in December 2025 from 27.9% in the previous month. This marked the lowest level since January 2023, as price pressures eased, particularly across food categories. Food inflation eased to 26.5% from 30.1% in the previous month. In contrast, non-food inflation rose to 25.2% from 24.2%, reflecting higher costs for housing, transport, and clothing. On a monthly basis, consumer prices increased 3.0% in December, following a 2.2% rise in each of the previous three months, marking the fastest monthly rise since February. For the full year of 2025, average inflation stood at 28.4% compared with 32.2% recorded in 2024.