Malawi Inflation Rate Eases to 2022-Low

Malawi's annual inflation rate eased to 23.8% in March 2026, marking a new lowest level since July 2022, down from 24.1% in February. Food inflation slowed, edging down to 20% from 20.8% in the previous month. In contrast, non-food inflation rose to 30.7% from 30% in February. On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 0.6%, easing from a 3.2% increase in February.

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.