Judith Phiri, [email protected]
Zimbabwe’s month-on-month inflation eased in October 2026, with both local currency (Zimbabwe Gold (ZWG)) and foreign currency (United States Dollar (USD)) rates falling, according to the latest prices statistics released by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat).
The October 2026 Prices Statistics report shows that the ZWG month-on-month inflation rate was 0.2 percent in October shedding 0.3 percentage points on the September rate of 0.5 percent, while the he USD month-on-month inflation rate was 0.1 percent shedding, 0.2 percentage points on the September rate of 0.3 percent.
On year-on-year inflation rate, ZimStat price statistics manager Mr Thomas Chikadaya said: “The USD year-on-year inflation rate (annual percentage change) for the month of October 2026 as measured by the all-items USD Consumer Price Index (CPI) was 3.2 percent, shedding 0.3 percentage points on the September 2026 rate of 3.5 percent.”
He, however, said the ZWG year-on-year inflation rate (annual percentage change) for the month of October 2026 as measured by the all-items ZWG Consumer Price Index (CPI), was 4.3 percent, gaining 0.6 percentage points on the September 2026 rate of 3.7 percent.
Mr Chikadaya said the weighted month-on-month inflation rate was 0.1 percent in October 2026, shedding 0.2 percentage points on the September 2026 rate of 0.3 percent.
He added: “The weighted year-on-year inflation rate (annual percentage change) for the month of October 2026 as measured by the all-items Weighted Consumer Price Index (CPI), was 3.5 percent, shedding 0.1 percentage points on the September 2026 rate of 3.6 percent.”
Mr Chikadaya said price increases during October were mainly observed in the transport division across the ZWG, USD and weighted consumer price indices, while on provincial figures, varying inflation trends were recorded across the country.
Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Matabeleland Region Chairman, Mr Thomas Gwatida said the decline in monthly inflation was welcome.
“It helps businesses plan, manage costs and price their products with greater confidence. However, lower inflation means prices are increasing more slowly, it does not necessarily mean prices have fallen. Many families may therefore still struggle to afford basic goods,” he said.
He said as the business community, they would like this progress supported by reliable electricity, affordable finance and lower transport costs.
Mr Gwatida said this would help businesses increase production, create jobs and offer more affordable goods, while ultimately, the improvement must be felt in people’s pockets and in the growth of businesses.
Youth Network Connect (YNC) managing director, Mr Philimon Nyirenda said the drop in both the ZWG and USD month-on-month inflation rate is a positive development.
“It reflects progress towards greater economic stability and confidence in the local currency. This downward trend can help moderate price increases, strengthen the purchasing power of consumers and create a more predictable environment for businesses and investors.
“It also signals the potential benefits of prudent monetary policies and efforts to stabilise the ZWG. If sustained, this improvement could contribute to sustainable economic growth, increased public confidence in the local currency, and better living standards for Zimbabweans,” he said.
He said this positive trend demonstrates the importance of sound economic policies and sustained efforts to stabilise the economy.
Mr Nyirenda said if maintained, it could restore public confidence, improve purchasing power, and pave the way for a more prosperous economic future for Zimbabwe.
