The annual headline inflation rate accelerated to 5.6% in October 2026, marking a significant increase from the 3.6% recorded during the same month last year, according to the latest figures released by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA).
Monthly, the consumer price index ticked up to 0.7%, rising from 0.4% in September. Meanwhile, core inflation remained well below the headline figure at 3.7%.
Statistician-General Alex Shimuafeni noted distinct regional variations across the country’s three zones.
Zone 2, encompassing the Khomas Region, recorded the highest annual inflation rate in the country at 6.2%, followed closely by Zone 3, covering the /Kharas, Erongo, Hardap, and Omaheke regions, at 6.1%.
In contrast, Zone 1, which spans the northern and northeastern regions including Kavango East, Kavango West, Kunene, Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, and Zambezi, registered the lowest annual inflation rate at 4.6%.
An analysis of average retail prices for select grocery items in October revealed notable geographic cost differences, particularly for beef products. Zone 3 recorded the highest average price for beef stew at N$137.49 per kilogram, followed by Zone 1 at N$127.92, while Zone 2 registered the lowest average price at N$102.96 per kilogram, over N$34 cheaper than in Zone 3.
Similarly, Zone 3 posted the highest average price for beef mince at N$131.05 per kilogram, followed by Zone 2 at N$122.49, with Zone 1 recording the lowest average price at N$116.80 per kilogram.
The NSA has urged data users and stakeholders to submit comments and feedback aimed at enhancing future statistical production to [email protected].
