Cost of living in Lusaka jumps to K11,599.12 for family of five in February, Jesuit Centre reports

The cost of living for a family of five in Lusaka has increased by K798.56 in February 2025, reaching K11,599.12, according to the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB).

JCTR Social and Economic Development Programme Officer, Lukwesa Musonda, attributed the rise to significant increases in food and essential non-food items.

“The total cost of food items surged to K5,277.25 from K4,523.54, with notable increases in the prices of fruits (K56.47/kg from K15.68/kg), vegetables (K701.81 per 40kg from K555.35), and kapenta (K491.26/kg from K417.08/kg),” Musonda stated in a statement issued on Tuesday.

Non-food essentials also saw a rise, with charcoal prices increasing to K497 per 90kg bag from K467.67, largely due to seasonal factors and persistent load shedding, which has driven demand amid limited alternative energy sources.

Musonda expressed concern over the widening gap between income levels and the rising cost of living.

“The 2023 Labour Force Survey showed national average earnings at K5,369, with households in the informal sector earning below K2,700.

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“This disparity exacerbates inequalities and worsens living conditions for many Zambians,” she said.

She called on the government to expand food and nutrition assistance programs such as the Food Security Pack, subsidized maize through the Food Reserve Agency, and home-grown school meals to support low-income households.

Additionally, Musonda urged authorities to scale up income generation initiatives, skills training, and vocational education while also ensuring affordable access to basic food items and energy sources to cushion the impact of rising costs.

She further emphasized the need to improve wages and salaries to align earnings with the rising cost of essential commodities, ensuring that Zambians can afford a dignified standard of living.

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