Malawi’s year-on-year inflation rate surged to 30.7% in February 2025, up from 28.5% in January, according to the latest data from the National Statistical Office (NSO). The increase was primarily driven by rising food prices, which saw food inflation climb to 38.5% from 36.0% in the previous month.
Non-food inflation also increased to 18.5% from 16.9%, reflecting higher costs across various sectors.
On a month-to-month basis, the national inflation rate stood at 3.8%, with food inflation at 4.2% and non-food inflation at 3.1%. Urban inflation was slightly higher at 4.0%, while rural areas recorded 3.8%.
The sharp rise in food inflation continues to put pressure on household budgets, with staple food prices remaining high. Economic analysts warn that the persistent increase in inflation could further weaken consumer purchasing power, affecting both businesses and individuals.
With inflation trending upward, economic stakeholders are closely monitoring the government’s fiscal policies and interventions in the upcoming national budget to curb rising prices and stabilize the economy.
