Zambia Must Invest in Local Production to Ease High Cost of Living, Says JCTR
The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has urged the Zambian government to prioritize local production, job creation, and social protection to tackle the country’s persistent high cost of living, despite recent macroeconomic gains.
JCTR’s latest Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) survey shows a modest 1.37% drop in the cost of living for a family of five in Lusaka, from ZMW 11,763.38 in June to ZMW 11,602.37 in July 2025. The K160.96 reduction was driven by price decreases in select essential food and non-food items, including chicken and groundnuts. Charcoal prices also eased slightly, offering some relief to households dependent on this energy source.
However, the Centre raised concerns over rising prices of key nutritious items such as kapenta, which jumped from ZMW 388.88 to ZMW 446.65 per kilogram, threatening dietary diversity and protein access for low-income families.
JCTR says these findings highlight a disconnect between macroeconomic indicators, such as a stronger Kwacha and lower fuel prices, and the everyday reality of many Zambian households still grappling with low wages, food price volatility, and limited social safety nets.
“The improvement in national inflation figures is welcome, but the burden on ordinary citizens remains severe,” JCTR stated. “To achieve meaningful recovery, Zambia must invest in sustainable local production and economic inclusivity.”
The Centre recommends accelerating agricultural mechanisation, investing in rural value addition, and strengthening the informal sector through affordable credit, formalisation, and skills training. These measures, it says, align with the goals of the Eighth National Development Plan and Vision 2030.
JCTR called on policymakers, development partners, and civil society to work collaboratively in ensuring that economic progress translates into improved living conditions for all.
