By Derrick Silimina

The Zambia Statistics Agency says annual inflation for October 2025 has decreased to 11.9 percent from 12.3 percent recorded in September, 2025 indicating that on average, prices of goods and services increased by 11.9 percent between October 2024 and October 2025.

In a statement, ZamStats indicated that the annual food inflation for October 2025 stood at 14.1 percent, down from 14.6 percent in September 2025, suggesting a slight easing in food prices over the month.

“This means on average prices of food items increased by 14.1 percent between October 2024 and October 2025. This was mainly attributed to price movements in prices of food items such as Cereals (including breakfast mealie meal, roller mealie meal, maize grain, Samp, Wheat Plain Household Flour); Fish; Frozen and Live Chicken and Offals,” said ZamStats Acting Statistician General Sheila Mudenda.

Mudenda further revealed that the non-food inflation rate for October 2025 was recorded at 8.7 percent, down from 9.0 percent in September 2025 which is primarily attributed to price changes in household accessories and motor vehicle purchases, contributing to the overall movement in inflation.

“This outturn is attributed to price movements in prices of non-food items such as Glassware, tableware and household utensils (Ceramicware –plate, Glassware Mug, Cutlery, Non electric kettle, Silver plate), Non durable household goods (Broom, Candles, shoe polish), Hair plaiting, Ladies Shampoo and set; and Purchase of vehicles.”