The cost of meeting basic needs for an average family of five in Lusaka has increased by K349.50 over the past year, rising from K11,763.38 in June 2025 to K12,112.88 in June 2026, according to the latest Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) released by the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR).
JCTR Social & Economic Development Programme Officer Lombe Kasanda says although the basket declined slightly by K47.66 between May and June 2026, it has increased by K747.88 since January, reflecting the continued rise in the cost of living.
He says this comes despite improvements in Zambia’s macroeconomic fundamentals, including lower inflation, a stronger Kwacha, progress in external debt restructuring, and improved agricultural output.
The organisation notes that rising prices of essential items such as charcoal, kapenta, vegetables and tomatoes continue to place significant pressure on household budgets, particularly for low-income families, highlighting that the benefits of macroeconomic stability have yet to be fully felt at household levelThe cost of meeting basic needs for an average family of five in Lusaka has increased by K349.50 over the past year, rising from K11,763.38 in June 2025 to K12,112.88 in June 2026, according to the latest Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) released by the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR).
JCTR Social & Economic Development Programme Officer Lombe Kasanda says although the basket declined slightly by K47.66 between May and June 2026, it has increased by K747.88 since January, reflecting the continued rise in the cost of living.
He says this comes despite improvements in Zambia’s macroeconomic fundamentals, including lower inflation, a stronger Kwacha, progress in external debt restructuring, and improved agricultural output.
The organisation notes that rising prices of essential items such as charcoal, kapenta, vegetables and tomatoes continue to place significant pressure on household budgets, particularly for low-income families, highlighting that the benefits of macroeconomic stability have yet to be fully felt at household level.
By Victoria Kayeye Yambani
