Economic Analyst Warns of Potential Inflationary Challenges Amidst Exchange Rates and Rainfall Uncertainties
Amidst concerns raised by Economic analyst Kelvin Chisanga, the central bank’s recent announcement of the quarterly Monetary Policy Report (MPR) has highlighted potential challenges for inflation in the coming months.
Mr. Chisanga emphasized that exchange rates and rainfall patterns could significantly impact the performance of inflation in the foreseeable future.
As per the central bank’s projections, inflation is anticipated to linger slightly above the upper limit of the 6-8% target range for a significant portion of the forecast horizon.
This is attributed to the persistent surge in dollar demands and escalating food prices, a consequence of lower agricultural output during the 2022/23 farming season.
Mr. Chisanga, however, provided a glimmer of hope by suggesting that towards the end of the forecast horizon, inflation might see a return to the target range.
This optimistic outlook is contingent upon the dissipation of pressure on food prices, anticipated to occur in the second quarter of 2024.
Several key factors pose potential risks to the inflation outlook, according to Mr. Chisanga. Notable among these are persistent drought conditions that could lead to reduced domestic and regional agricultural production.
Additionally, lower-than-expected electricity generation capacity, higher-than-programmed fiscal deficits, elevated external debt service payments, and weaker-than-projected global growth are identified as potential contributors to inflationary pressures.
Despite these risks, he acknowledged that inflationary pressures could be mitigated by subdued domestic aggregate demand and relatively loose global financial conditions, should they materialize.
The economic landscape appears to be navigating a delicate balance, with uncertainties surrounding exchange rates and rainfall patterns influencing inflation dynamics.
As stakeholders closely monitor these variables, the central bank’s projections and Mr. Chisanga’s insights serve as crucial indicators for economic decision-makers and businesses preparing for potential challenges in the inflationary landscape.
