The cost of living in Zambia remains high and unaffordable for most citizens despite marginal price drops in certain food items due to the harvest season, according to the latest findings by the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR).
In its May 2025 Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB), JCTR pegs the average cost of living for a family of five in Lusaka at ZMW 11,272.97. This marks an annual increase of ZMW 571.84 from May 2024, signaling persistent inflationary pressure on household budgets.
In a statement, Lukwesa Musonda, JCTR’s Social and Economic Development Programme Officer, says that while May saw a slight monthly decrease of ZMW 145.02 in the BNNB compared to April 2025, this change was “insignificant” in easing the broader cost of living burden.
The marginal decline in prices was largely attributed to seasonal changes in food availability. Sweet potatoes, a cheaper alternative, entered the market at ZMW 9.41 per kg, replacing Irish potatoes, which were priced at ZMW 21.72 per kg in April.
Other food categories also saw price reductions. The cost of a 40kg bag of vegetables fell from ZMW 717.72 to ZMW 660.69, while the price of fruits dropped from ZMW 47.48 to ZMW 41.27 per kg.
However, she cautions that the apparent relief is short-lived, adding that seasonal volatility continues to make household budgeting unpredictable, especially for low-income families.
By Rache Mumba
