Chamwe Kaira
In October, many Namibians felt their wallets tighten as the cost of living continued to climb, pushing everyday expenses even higher.
Residents of the Khomas region paid about N$15 more per kilogram for tomatoes. In total, they paid N$44.95 per kilogram.
This was despite the region recording the lowest inflation in the month under review.
This was far higher than in the northern regions, where consumers in Zone 1 (Kavango East, Kavango West, Kunene, Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, and Zambezi) paid N$29.35 and those in Zone 3 (//Kharas, Erongo, Hardap, and Omaheke) paid N$28.76.
According to the latest Namibia Consumer Price Index (NCPI) bulletin from the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA), the country’s annual inflation rate increased to 3.6% in October, compared to 3% recorded during the same month last year. Month-on-month, prices rose by 0.5% after remaining flat at 0.0% in September.
The NSA said the rise shows a moderate but notable increase in the cost of living, driven by higher prices for key goods and services.
Inflation remains a key measure for policymakers managing monetary policy and consumer spending.
The NCPI tracks both headline and core inflation. Headline inflation measures price changes for all goods and services, including volatile items like food and fuel.
Core inflation excludes these volatile items to show long-term price trends.
For October, core inflation stood at 3.7%, slightly higher than the headline rate, indicating a steady increase in prices beyond short-term changes in food and energy costs.
Across Namibia, inflation varied by region. Zone 1 recorded the highest inflation at 3.7%. Zone 3, covering //Kharas, Erongo, Hardap, and Omaheke, followed closely at 3.6%. The Khomas Region, classified as Zone 2, recorded the lowest inflation rate at 3.5%.
The price of maize meal also varied across regions. Consumers in Zone 3 paid the highest average price of N$79.79 for a 5 kg bag, compared to N$76.40 in Zone 1 and N$70.74 in Zone 2.
NSA statistician general and chief executive officer Alex Shimuafeni said the agency welcomes public input to strengthen statistical reporting.
“We appreciate the continued support of our partners and users,” Shimuafeni said.
“We encourage feedback that can help us improve statistical production and make our bulletins even more useful.”
