ZAMBIA INFLATION ON THE UP-SWING

Increases in the cost of housing, water and electricity have been cited as reasons for Zambia’s increased monthly inflation rate.

The Central Statistical Office has cited increased non-food items inflationary pressure for the increase of the monthly rate as recorded at 6.5 per cent for April.

The previous inflation rate for the month of March was 6.4 per cent.

On average, prices for housing, water and electricity increased by 0.7 percentage points, which is inclusive of costs for education, hospitality services and other goods.

Meanwhile, Zambia has recorded a trade surplus of 79.6 billion kwacha for the month of March, up by 68 per cent from 47.4 billion kwacha for the previous month.

For March, traditional exports, which are mainly metals, increased by 9.4 per cent as non-traditional exports reduced by 23 per cent.