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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Food inflation has climbed to 20.31% in July, while headline inflation eased to 15.43%
  • Food inflation more than doubled, from 8.89% in January to 20.31% in July.
  • Food inflation overtook headline inflation, moving from 6.21 points below to 4.88 points above it.
  • Headline inflation barely changed, from 15.10% to 15.43%.
  • Food price pressures accelerated, with monthly inflation rising to 5.56% in July.
Nigeria’s food inflation has risen every month since January 2026, climbing 8.07 percentage points to 16.96% in May
  • Nigeria’s year-on-year food inflation rose for the fourth consecutive month, from 8.89% in January 2026 to 16.96% in May.
  • The rate increased by 8.07 percentage points within the first five months of 2026.
  • May’s 16.96% rate means food prices were, on average, 16.96% higher than they were in May 2025.
  • Food inflation rose from 12.12% in February to 14.31% in March and 16.06% in April before reaching 16.96% in May.
  • Food inflation exceeded Nigeria’s 15.93% headline inflation rate in May, showing that food was a major source of renewed pressure on household expenses.
Among 44 African countries, Nigeria's 16.96% food inflation in May 2026 was lower only than that of Libya and Malawi
  • Nigeria recorded the third-highest food inflation rate among 44 African countries in May 2026.
  • At 16.96%, Nigeria’s rate was lower only than Libya and Malawi, both at 17.6%.
  • Nigeria’s food inflation was nearly 3.5 times the 4.88% average across the countries covered.
  • Eight of the ten countries with the highest food inflation recorded rates above 10%.
Every food item tracked has at least doubled in price since May 2023
  • Every comparable food item tracked is now at least twice as expensive as it was in May 2023.
  • Nearly half of the selected food items have more than tripled in price since the month before fuel subsidy removal.
  • Unripe plantain recorded the steepest increase, rising by 469% between May 2023 and April 2026.
  • Ripe plantain, yam tuber, and fresh tilapia also saw extreme increases of more than 300%.
  • Even the slowest-rising staples, including frozen chicken, beans, gari, and maize, still more than doubled in price.
Healthy diet costs rose fastest in Nigeria’s North-West over two years
  • Healthy diet costs rose 49% nationally in two years.
  • North-West states recorded the fastest increases.
  • All seven North-West states rose above the national average.
  • Katsina and Kogi recorded the steepest increases, at 98%.
  • Akwa Ibom had the lowest increase, at 5%.
One adult’s monthly healthy diet takes two-thirds of minimum wage
  • One adult’s healthy diet takes 66% of Nigeria’s minimum wage.
  • The national average monthly cost is about ₦46,230 per adult.
  • Ekiti has the highest burden, at 90% of minimum wage.
  • Six states require over 80% of minimum wage for one adult’s healthy diet.
  • Adamawa has the lowest burden, at 43%.
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