Zimbabwe's Food Costs Rise Sharply in January 2025.
The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency reports that basic food costs in Zimbabwe increased by 6% in January, reaching ZiG861.14 per person, up from ZiG805.95 in December 2024.
The Food Datum Line measures the money needed for one person to consume 2,100 calories daily. The Total Consumption Poverty Line, which includes both food and non-food items, rose to ZMW 1,255.78 from ZMW 1,156.67.
"The basic needs basket for one person stood at ZiG861.14 in January," Zimstat stated. This figure represents the minimum amount needed to avoid poverty.
Between December and January, local currency inflation climbed from 3.7% to 10.5%. The US dollar price index saw an even steeper rise, jumping from 0.6% to 11.5%.
Zimbabwe uses both US dollars and the local ZiG currency. Most transactions occur in US dollars, especially in informal markets.
Recent government actions against illegal imports have affected market prices. The crackdown reduced the supply of cheaper goods from informal sources. This led to higher demand and increased prices for available products.
Formal import channels require duty payments, which raise consumer costs. Economic analyst Wendy Mpofu cited inflation, supply chain issues, and new policies as key factors behind January's price increases.
"The rising Food Datum Line reflects our broader inflation challenges," Mpofu said. She noted that Zimbabwe faces ongoing pressure from high living costs and food prices.
The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency reports that basic food costs in Zimbabwe increased by 6% in January, reaching ZiG861.14 per person, up from ZiG805.95 in December 2024.
The Food Datum Line measures the money needed for one person to consume 2,100 calories daily. The Total Consumption Poverty Line, which includes both food and non-food items, rose to ZMW 1,255.78 from ZMW 1,156.67.
"The basic needs basket for one person stood at ZiG861.14 in January," Zimstat stated. This figure represents the minimum amount needed to avoid poverty.
Between December and January, local currency inflation climbed from 3.7% to 10.5%. The US dollar price index saw an even steeper rise, jumping from 0.6% to 11.5%.
Zimbabwe uses both US dollars and the local ZiG currency. Most transactions occur in US dollars, especially in informal markets.
Recent government actions against illegal imports have affected market prices. The crackdown reduced the supply of cheaper goods from informal sources. This led to higher demand and increased prices for available products.
Formal import channels require duty payments, which raise consumer costs. Economic analyst Wendy Mpofu cited inflation, supply chain issues, and new policies as key factors behind January's price increases.
"The rising Food Datum Line reflects our broader inflation challenges," Mpofu said. She noted that Zimbabwe faces ongoing pressure from high living costs and food prices.
