Inflation Zambia 2016
Average inflation: 18.2%
Current Inflation
Inflation is very high at 18.2%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in February at 22.9%. The lowest inflation was in December at 7.5%.
- Highest month
- February: 22.9%
- Lowest month
- December: 7.5%
- Difference
- 15.4 percentage points
- Months with data
- 12 of 12
Category Insights
The highest price increase was in Food with an average of 21.8%. The lowest price increase was in Energy with an average of 5.4%.
- Highest increase
- Food: 21.8%
- Lowest increase
- Energy: 5.4%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 8.3% higher than the 5-year average of 9.9%. This approaches the highest level since records began (18.2% in 2016).
- 5-year average
- 9.9%
- 10-year average
- 9.3%
- All-time high (2016)
- 18.2%
- All-time low (2011)
- 6.4%
Trend
Inflation shows an upward trend. Compared to 2015, inflation has risen by +8.2 percentage point.
- Change vs. previous year
- +8.2 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- February: +15.5 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 16.2% above the ECB target of 2.0%. This means purchasing power is declining faster than intended.
Purchasing Power
At this high inflation rate, purchasing power rapidly decreases. This has a major impact on households, especially without adequate salary increases.
What you could buy for €100 this year will cost approximately €118.20 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 2016
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 21.8% | +14.1 |
| February | 22.9% | +15.5 |
| March | 22.2% | +15.0 |
| April | 21.8% | +14.6 |
| May | 21.3% | +14.4 |
| June | 21.0% | +13.9 |
| July | 20.2% | +13.1 |
| August | 19.6% | +12.3 |
| September | 18.9% | +11.2 |
| October | 12.5% | -1.8 |
| November | 8.8% | -10.7 |
| December | 7.5% | -13.6 |
| Average | 18.2% |
Data source
Data from WorldBank. Last updated: 06/01/2026.