JCTR Reports Slight Drop in Cost of Living for Lusaka Families

The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has reported a slight decrease in the cost of living for a family of five in Lusaka, according to its Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) for September 2025.

The BNNB, which measures the minimum standard required to uphold the dignity of the human person, shows a reduction of K142.19, from K11,432.17 in August to K11,289.98 in September. This decline was largely driven by lower prices for essential non-food items, particularly charcoal, reflecting either improved supply or reduced seasonal demand.

However, while non-food costs fell, the food basket subtotal rose from K4,905.44 to K4,917.94, mainly due to a spike in the prices of protein sources. This has continued to strain families’ ability to maintain a balanced and nutritious diet.

JCTR’s Social and Economic Development Programme Manager, Edward Musosa, noted that despite the marginal drop, the overall cost of living remains high and continues to challenge vulnerable communities. He called for targeted government interventions to sustain and expand September’s modest relief across the wider population.