Malawi Inflation Climbs to 24.3% as Cost of Living Remains High

The latest report released by the has shown that Malawi’s inflation rate increased to 24.3 percent in April 2026, up from 23.8 percent recorded in March.

The rise means many Malawians continue to face high living costs, especially on transport, fuel and other household needs.

According to the report, the increase was mainly driven by a sharp rise in prices of non-food items. Non-food inflation rose to 33.2 percent from 30.7 percent in March.

Prices of fuel, charcoal, firewood, housing, water and electricity are among the major factors pushing the cost of living higher.

However, the report also indicates a slight improvement in food prices. Food inflation dropped to 19.1 percent from 20 percent recorded in March, offering some relief to families struggling to afford basic food items.

Meanwhile, monthly inflation declined to negative 2.5 percent in April from 0.6 percent in March, largely due to more stable food prices during the month.

Despite the increase recorded in April, the inflation rate remains lower than the 29.2 percent registered during the same period last year.