Cost of living rises in Lusaka, JCTR May, 2026 report reveals

The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) for a family of five in Lusaka stood at K12, 160.54 in May 2026 from K11,272.85 in May 2025, marking an annual significant increase of K887.67. JCTR Communications and Digital Engagement Officer, Bernard Mwaba, said this underscored the cost-of-living pressures faced by many households, and placing increasing strain on families. In the latest Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) released on Friday, Mwaba said this was highlighting the urgent need for a people-centered approach to national planning and budgeting.

During the month of May, the total cost of essential non-food items increased significantly from L6,760.32 in April to L7,050.15 in May and the rise was mainly driven by a sharp increase in the price of charcoal, which went up from K725.00 to K870.00 per 90kg bag. In the essential food component of the basket, the cost of beans rose from K61.19 to K70.05 per kilogram, beef increased from L115.82 to K119.28 per kilogram and tomatoes rose from K14.27 to K15.97 per kilogram. The cost of some food items marginally decreased: kapenta from K495.91 to K434.56 per kilogram, soya pieces from K87.69 to K83.33 per kilogram, 2.5 litres of cooking oil from K134.21 to K126.00, chickens from L171.24 to K150.38 per 2kg and vegetables from K789.72 to K741.31.

Despite the overall decline in food costs from K5,291.17 in April to K5,110.39 in May, Mwaba said the notable increase in essential non-food items and some food items continue to intensify the cost-ofliving burden on households. “Given that the burden of high living costs falls disproportionately on the poor, undermining their dignity as access to adequate food, shelter, energy, healthcare, and other necessities become increasingly unattainable,” he said. Mwaba stated that the projected bumper harvest of 4.9 million metric tonnes presents a valuable opportunity for the government to respond to the cost-of-living crisis.

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He noted that by strengthening agricultural value chains through increased value addition and agro-processing, the government can stimulate job creation, boost farmers’ incomes, and ultimately enhance household livelihoods and economic resilience for ordinary Zambians. “With the Ministry of Finance currently calling for proposals to inform the formulation of the 2027 National Budget, this moment presents a critical and time-bound opportunity for civil society, faith communities and all citizens to actively engage in the budget process,” Mwaba said. He emphasized the need of aligning proposals with key priority areas that respond to the needs of the people.

Mwaba stressed that citizen participation in the budget process was not merely a democratic aspiration, but a critical requirement for responsive and effective public financial management. “It is grounded in Zambia’s legal and constitutional framework and remains essential for ensuring that national resource allocation reflects the lived realities and priorities of ordinary citizens,” he said.

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