Africa-Press – Malawi. The cost of living for an average urban household of six people increased by 4.22 percent in June 2025, rising from K841,026 in May to K876,496.
This is according to the latest Cost of Living Analysis by Employers Consultative Association of Malawi (Ecam).
The surge was primarily driven by rising food prices, which jumped 6.18 percent from K567,660 in May to K602,750 in June, putting additional pressure on households that are already grappling with high inflation.
Excluding transport costs, the basic needs basket increased by 4.56 percent, from K777,026 in May to K812,496 in June, the report shows.
In an interview, Consumers Association of Malawi Executive Director John Kapito said the rising cost of living had exerted pressure on consumers.
“There is a need to understand that the current cost of living from a consumer perspective is much broader. It also affects the majority of Malawians that are not employed,” Kapito said.
In a separate interview, Economics Association of Malawi President Bertha Chikadza said the figures were a reflection of the situation.
She said Malawi had been experiencing high inflationary pressures and that although inflation is on a downward spiral, the overall cost of living has remained persistently high.
Chikadza added that maize prices have been relatively stable due to increased supply, as the country is still in the harvest season.
“To cushion Malawians from the impact of the rising cost of living, households should consider adopting practical measures such as consuming locally available foods to reduce reliance on imported food products and reduce overreliance on maize.“The government may also consider expanding the Social Cash Transfer Programme to reach ultra-poor households, particularly those with no capacity for labour, to cushion them against the high cost of living,” Chikadza said.
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