As 2025 unfolds, millions of people across Africa are feeling the heat of rising prices. The Consumer Price Index (CPI)—a critical indicator of inflation—has surged in several countries, raising the cost of living and putting basic necessities like food, housing, and transportation further out of reach for many.
From bustling cities to rural villages, the ripple effects of inflation are being felt everywhere. According to the World Bank’s latest Africa Pulse report (October 2024), the mid-year CPI data reveals alarming spikes in consumer prices across several nations.
Let’s take a closer look at the top 10 African countries where consumer goods and services saw the highest price increases by mid-2024.
🔟 Top African Countries with the Highest CPI Growth in 2025
| Rank | Country | Consumer Price Index (CPI) Growth |
|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Sudan | 180.2% |
| 2️⃣ | South Sudan | 35.0% |
| 3️⃣ | Malawi | 33.6% |
| 4️⃣ | Nigeria | 31.7% |
| 5️⃣ | Sierra Leone | 30.5% |
| 6️⃣ | Angola | 27.4% |
| 7️⃣ | Ethiopia | 27.0% |
| 8️⃣ | Ghana | 23.2% |
| 9️⃣ | Burundi | 22.8% |
| 🔟 | Democratic Republic of Congo | 17.2% |
💡 What Is CPI and Why Does It Matter?
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures the average change over time in the prices paid by consumers for a market basket of goods and services. It’s a key tool used to track inflation—and when the CPI spikes, it typically signals a higher cost of living.
From setting interest rates to adjusting wages and social benefits, CPI plays a vital role in economic planning and policy-making.
📉 Rising Inflation, Real-Life Consequences
While the average food inflation rate across Sub-Saharan Africa hit 5.4% by June 2024, some countries far exceeded this, showing double-digit inflation—a clear indicator of ongoing economic stress.
Although prices have come down slightly from their 2022 peak, they remain significantly higher than pre-COVID-19 levels, and the economic pressure is most intense for lower-income households.
🌐 The Bigger Picture
With inflation widening inequality and shrinking household purchasing power, these CPI figures serve as a wake-up call for policymakers, investors, and development agencies. The road ahead requires bold strategies to stabilize prices, strengthen local economies, and support the most vulnerable communities.
📊 Stay tuned for more updates and insights from across the continent as we continue to track Africa’s economic pulse.
