Chamwe Kaira
Namibia’s annual inflation rate slowed to 2.4% in February, down from 3.6% recorded in the same month last year.
According to Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) statistician-general and chief executive officer Alex Shimuafeni, inflation remained low during the period. Monthly inflation stood at 0.0%, compared to 0.8% recorded in January 2026. Core inflation, which excludes food and fuel, was recorded at 3.2%.
Regional data showed differences in price trends across the country.
Zone 2, which includes the Khomas Region, recorded the highest annual inflation rate at 3.5%.
Zone 3, which covers the ||Karas, Erongo, Hardap and Omaheke regions, recorded inflation of 2.5%.
Zone 1, which includes Kavango East, Kavango West, Kunene, Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto and Otjozondjupa regions, recorded the lowest inflation rate at 1.4%.
Retail price data also showed differences between regions.
Consumers in Zone 3 paid the highest price for beef stew at N$113.96 per kilogram. Zone 1 recorded N$108.99, while Zone 2 recorded the lowest price at N$104.19.
For sunflower cooking oil (750ml), Zone 3 recorded the highest price at N$34.79. Zone 2 recorded N$33.99, while Zone 1 recorded N$32.78.
Food prices showed mixed trends.
Bread and cereals recorded deflation of 1.5% in February 2026, compared to inflation of 6.1% in February 2025. The decline was linked to lower or slower price increases for maize meal, rice and bread.
Fruit prices recorded inflation of 9%, lower than the 14.3% recorded in February last year. The slower increase was linked to lower price growth for citrus fruits, bananas and watermelons.
Meat prices increased by 3%, compared to 8.1% recorded a year earlier. The slower increase was linked to beef, pork, biltong and canned meat.
Coffee, tea and cocoa prices increased by 4.1%, down from 9.6% recorded in February last year, mainly due to lower tea prices.
The transport category, which makes up 14.3% of the consumer basket, recorded deflation of 1% in February 2026 compared to an increase of 1.3% recorded a year earlier. The decline was linked to lower fuel prices and reduced costs for operating personal transport.
