Zimbabwe’s dollar inflation slows to 3.22% as food prices drop

Zimbabwe's annual inflation rate for goods and services priced in United States dollars slowed to 3.22% in October 2026, down from 3.46% in September, according to figures published by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. Monthly US dollar inflation declined to 0.11% from 0.28% in the previous month, indicating a moderation in the pace of consumer price increases.

The decline was driven by a 0.12% month-on-month drop in food prices, which helped contain overall inflation despite a 0.10% rise in non-food costs. Annual food inflation stood at 2.60%, while annual non-food inflation remained higher at 3.51%. The US dollar Consumer Price Index reached 126.11 in October.

The easing price pressures offer some relief to households where food expenditure represents a significant share of income, although the cost of living continues to exert pressure on purchasing power. For businesses operating in the US dollar economy, the more predictable pricing environment may improve short-term planning for procurement and inventory management, even as profitability remains dependent on electricity costs, transport expenses, and consumer demand.

Read the full story at The Zimbabwe Mail.