Four African nations are in the top 10 globally for the highest inflation rates, averaging 39.23%

Key takeaways:

  • With 120% and 118% inflation rates, respectively, the two top nations are experiencing economic meltdowns, making essentials like food and housing almost unattainable.
  • With 57.5% inflation, Zimbabwe continues its battle against economic instability, making it the 4th highest in the world and the worst in Africa.
  • The fact that several countries exceed the global average of 7.27% by 4x to 16x highlights the severe economic strain facing multiple regions.
  • Countries with inflation above 30% risk prolonged economic instability as businesses struggle to survive and citizens face rising poverty levels.

Inflation continues to wreak havoc on economies worldwide, with some countries experiencing an extreme surge in the cost of living. The latest data reveals that Syria tops the global inflation chart at 120%, followed closely by Argentina at 118% and Palestine at 88%.
In Africa, four African nations — Zimbabwe (57.5%), Burundi (36.5%), Nigeria (34.8%), and Malawi (28.1%) — rank among the top ten globally. Notably, Zimbabwe remains the most inflation-hit country in Africa, continuing its long battle with currency instability and economic volatility.

Source:

Trading Economics

Period:

2024
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The inflation rate in Nigeria rose from 22.41% in May 2023 to 34.80% by December 2024 and dropped to 24.48% in January 2025
Key takeaways:
  • Amidst the overall upward rise in inflation since May 2023, Nigeria experienced a brief relief with slight declines between June and September 2024.
  • The inflation rate in May 2024 was 11.54% points higher than that of June 2023.
  • The inflation rate in Nigeria increased by approximately 55% from May 2023 to December 2024.
  • In December 2024, the inflation rate increased by about 4.9% points when compared to January 2024.
  • Between December 2024 and January 2025, the inflation rate dropped by 10.32%.
  • The National Bureau of Statistics rebased the Consumer Price Index from 2009 to 2024 in January 2025.
Nigeria's inflation rate stood at 34.80%, making it the African nation with the third-highest inflation rate in 2024
  • With 57.50% inflation, Zimbabwe’s economy is experiencing an extreme price surge, making it the most inflation-affected country in Africa.
  • At 34.80%, Nigeria is battling one of its worst inflation crises in decades, severely impacting food prices, transportation, and living costs.
  • The fact that seven out of ten countries on this list have inflation rates that double or even quadruple the African average shows the depth of the inflation crisis.
  • While their inflation rates (between 16% and 24%), as seen in Ghana, Ethiopia, Zambia, and the Congo, are lower than the top three, they still exceed the sustainable threshold for economic stability.
Some organisations project that Nigeria's 2025 inflation rate will be lower than in 2024
  • Some organisations project that Nigeria's 2025 inflation rate will be lower than 2024's 33.2%.
  • Projections for 2025 range from the AfDB's optimistic 20.7% to Meristem's bearish 33.99%, reflecting variations in the expected average annual inflation rate.
  • International organisations have more optimistic projections on Nigeria's average inflation rate in 2025 compared to local organisations.
Inflation in Africa’s largest economies as of October 2024
Inflation levels across Africa's largest economies range from low and stable in Morocco to high and concerning in Nigeria. Egypt and Nigeria have seen inflation rise to record levels, driven partly by currency devaluations in both countries. Nigeria has not only fallen from its top spot as the continent's largest economy, but it now holds the spot for the highest inflation rate amongst the top ten economies by GDP.
Inflation rate: Nigeria ranked 9th out of 184 countries and territories as of September 2024
Argentina's inflation rate dropped to 209% in September 2024 from 237% in August, slightly easing costs. Despite this, the South American country still has the highest inflation rate of the 184 countries and territories ranked. Nigeria's inflation rate stands at 32.7%, ranking 9th globally and 4th in Africa after South Sudan, Zimbabwe, and Malawi.
Nigeria: Cooking gas prices hit record high in 2024, 3.7x the price in 2016
The average price of cooking gas in Nigeria has increased significantly, from ₦370 per kg in early 2016 to ₦1,390 per kg in June 2024. After prices peaked at nearly ₦1,500 in May 2024, they fell by 6.1% in June. The contributing factors to the increase include global energy fluctuations, naira depreciation, supply chain disruptions, and changes in domestic policies. Here are the average prices of cooking gas in Nigeria since 2016.
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