The annual inflation rate in Zambia fell further to 7.1% in March 2026 from 7.5% in February, marking the third consecutive month of deceleration. This was the lowest reading since March 2018, as both food inflation (7.8% vs8.2% in February) and non-food prices (5.9% vs 6.5%) slowed. On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 0.6% in March, the same pace as in the prior month. source: Central Statistical Office of Zambia

Inflation Rate in Zambia decreased to 7.10 percent in March from 7.50 percent in February of 2026. Inflation Rate in Zambia averaged 11.17 percent from 2005 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 24.60 percent in June of 2021 and a record low of 6.00 percent in December of 2011. This page provides the latest reported value for - Zambia Inflation Rate - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news. Zambia Inflation Rate - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on March of 2026.

Inflation Rate in Zambia decreased to 7.10 percent in March from 7.50 percent in February of 2026. Inflation Rate in Zambia is expected to be 7.60 percent by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. In the long-term, the Zambia Inflation Rate is projected to trend around 3.70 percent in 2027 and 3.20 percent in 2028, according to our econometric models.



Calendar GMT Reference Actual Previous Consensus TEForecast
2026-02-25 08:30 AM
Inflation Rate YoY
Feb 7.5% 9.4% 8.6%
2026-03-26 08:30 AM
Inflation Rate YoY
Mar 7.1% 7.5% 7.6%
2026-04-30 08:30 AM
Inflation Rate YoY
Apr 7.1% 7.4%


Related Last Previous Unit Reference
CPI Housing Utilities 555.92 553.45 points Feb 2026
CPI Transportation 677.10 689.13 points Feb 2026
Inflation Rate YoY 7.10 7.50 percent Mar 2026
Inflation Rate MoM 0.60 0.60 percent Mar 2026


Zambia Inflation Rate
In Zambia, the four main components of the consumer price index are: Food & Non-Alcoholic Beverages (54% of the total weight); Housing & Utilities (11%); Furnishings, Household Equipment & Routine Maintenance of the House (8%); and Clothing & Footwear (8%). Others include: Transport (6%); Miscellaneous Goods & Services (5%); Education (3%). Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco, Recreation and Culture, Communications, Health and Restaurants & Hotels account for the remaining 5% of total weight.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
7.10 7.50 24.60 6.00 2005 - 2026 percent Monthly

News Stream
Zambia Inflation Rate Hits 2018-Lows
The annual inflation rate in Zambia fell further to 7.1% in March 2026 from 7.5% in February, marking the third consecutive month of deceleration. This was the lowest reading since March 2018, as both food inflation (7.8% vs8.2% in February) and non-food prices (5.9% vs 6.5%) slowed. On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 0.6% in March, the same pace as in the prior month.
2026-03-26
Zambia Inflation Falls to Lowest Since 2019
The annual inflation rate in Zambia eased to 7.5% in February 2026 from 9.4% in the previous month. This marked the lowest rate since March 2019, due to softer price increases across most main groups, particularly food and non-alcoholic beverages (8.2% vs 10.9% in January), housing and utilities (8.8% vs 9.9%), furnishing, household equipment, and routine household maintenance (6.3% vs 6.6%), clothing and footwear (8.2% vs 8.5%), transport (0.4% vs 2.2%), and miscellaneous goods and services (9.4% vs 9.5%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices increased by 0.6%, following a 0.5% rise in January.
2026-02-26
Zambia Inflation Rate Rises from 27-Month Low
Zambia’s annual inflation rate rose to 11.2% in December 2025 from a 27-month low of 10.9% in the previous month, snapping a seven-month streak of easing price pressures. The uptick was driven by a sharp acceleration in non-food inflation (8.7% vs 6.6% in October), reflecting higher prices for garments and air passenger transport. In contrast, food inflation eased slightly (12.9% vs 13.9%), marking the lowest reading since August 2023, mainly due to slower price increases in cereals and meats. On a monthly basis, consumer prices increased by 1.5%, the strongest rise since February, accelerating from a 0.7% gain in October.
2025-12-25