Zambia’s annual inflation rate eased marginally to 6.5 percent in June as the cost‑of‑living remains a central issue ahead of general elections set for 13 August.
Zambia Statistics Agency head Sheila Mudenda told reporters in Lusaka on Thursday that year-on-year inflation dropped from 6.6 percent in May.
According to the Statistician General, the slight decline reflected lower price movements in both food and non‑food categories.
Food inflation fell to 6.7 percent from 6.9 percent, driven mainly by softer prices for cereals, cooking oil and eggs.
Non‑food inflation also dipped, easing to six percent from 6.1 percent on the back of reduced costs for motor vehicles, fuel, passenger air transport and accommodation.
The modest easing comes as households continue to grapple with high living costs, a dominant theme in the election campaign as political parties court voters concerned about food prices, transport costs and wage pressures.
Analysts say even small shifts in inflation are closely watched in the run‑up to the polls, with economic sentiment expected to play a significant role in shaping voter behaviour.
JN/APA