Jesuit centre places cost of living in Lusaka for family of five at K11,272.97 in May, a rise of over K570 in one year

The cost of living for a family of five in Lusaka has increased by K571.84 between May 2024 and May 2025, currently standing at K11,272.97, according to the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR).

The JCTR’s Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) for May 2024 stood at K10,701.08, revealing a continued upward trend in the cost of essential goods and services.

JCTR Social and Economic Development Programme Officer, Lukwesa Musonda, confirmed the figures in a statement issued in Lusaka on Wednesday.

Musonda noted that despite a marginal decrease of K145.02 in the BNNB from April 2025, the cost of living remains high and largely unaffordable for the majority of Zambians, particularly the poor and marginalized.

“The BNNB for May 2025 stands at K11,272.97, showing an increase of K571.84 compared to the same period last year,” Musonda said.

He attributed the changes in household expenses to fluctuations in food prices, particularly those of seasonal items. Sweet potatoes, now priced at K9.41 per kg, replaced Irish potatoes, which had cost K21.72 per kg in April.

“The increased market presence of sweet potatoes offers households a more affordable source of nutrition during the harvest season,” he said.

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

Musonda also highlighted a drop in the cost of vegetables, from K717.72 to K660.69 per 40kg bag, and a reduction in fruit prices from K47.48 to K41.27 per kg — trends he said reflect temporary relief due to the harvest season.

However, he warned that these fluctuations underscored the volatility of household food budgets, which are often impacted by seasonal dynamics, poor transportation networks, and inadequate storage infrastructure.

“In Zambia, the harvest period from March to July brings temporary price drops. But due to limited preservation and storage systems, significant post-harvest losses occur, driving prices up again during the lean months,” Musonda said.

He added that for families with low, fixed, or irregular incomes, maintaining consistent household budgets remained a major challenge.

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