Top 10 African countries with the highest inflation rates as of September 2026

As of September 2026, Malawi experienced the highest inflation rate of 19.40% among African economies, followed by Rwanda at 17.20% and Libya at 16.60%. The data reflects the most recent available readings.

Madagascar, included in the ranking based on its May 2026 reading, saw inflation accelerate to 8.60% in May, up from 7.90% in April. Food prices made up a significant portion of this increase, reaching 10.60% in May.

Mauritania's inflation rate rose to 9.30% in September, up from 8.90% in August. Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices, housing costs, and healthcare were among the factors contributing to the monthly increase.

Sao Tome and Principe's inflation rate fell slightly to 9.40% in August, down from 9.50% in July. Education fees, transport, and food prices were among the categories driving the monthly increase.

Egypt's annual inflation rate climbed to 12.80% in September, up from 12.70% in August. Rising vegetable prices contributed to the increase, along with fruit and meat prices.

Nigeria's headline inflation rate eased to 14.63% in September, down from 15.39% in August. Food inflation remained a significant concern, standing at 19.59% in September.

Ethiopia's annual inflation rate eased to 14.90% in September, down from 15.10% in August. Food inflation stood at 14.80%, while non-food inflation remained higher at 15.10%.

Sierra Leone's inflation rate increased to 15.66% in August, up from 14.89% in July. Non-food inflation reached 21.03%, while housing costs saw a staggering annual inflation rate of 81.33%.

Libya's inflation rate rose to 16.60% in September, up from 14.30% in August. Food prices accelerated to 21.20% in September, while energy prices increased by 45%.

Rwanda's inflation rate climbed to 17.20% in September, up from 15.70% in August. Food prices rose by 20.9% year-on-year, while transport prices increased by 22.4%.