By Sostenus Wilherm
Namibia’s annual inflation rate accelerated to 4.1 percent in May 2026, up from 3.1 percent in April, as rising transport and housing costs pushed consumer prices higher, according to the latest Namibia Consumer Price Index (NCPI) released by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA).
The latest figures show that inflation had remained relatively stable for much of 2025 before slowing in early 2026. However, inflation gathered pace over the past two months, with May also recording a monthly increase, indicating stronger price pressures across the economy.
Transport was the biggest contributor to the country’s annual inflation, followed by housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels, while food and non-alcoholic beverages also added to the overall increase in consumer prices.
Among the major spending categories, transport recorded the highest annual inflation rate, followed by housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels. other sectors such as hotels, cafés and restaurants, health, and recreation and culture also recorded notable increases.
Housing costs continued to place significant pressure on household budgets. The increase was mainly driven by higher electricity, gas and other fuel prices, while rental costs also continued to edge upwards, reflecting the rising cost of accommodation.
Food inflation, however, showed signs of easing. The Food and non-alcoholic beverages category recorded lower annual inflation compared to the same period last year, suggesting that price increases for many food items have slowed.
Within the food category, several staple products became more affordable. Prices for bread and cereals declined, largely due to lower prices for maize meal, pasta products and bread. Fish prices also eased, while vegetable price increases slowed compared to last year.
Despite the moderation in food inflation, some products continued to record notable price increases. Fruit remained one of the fastest-rising food categories, although the pace of price increases slowed compared to the same period last year.
