Ghana currently holds the 6th position in Africa for the highest food inflation rates.
In May 2024, Ghana recorded a food inflation rate of 22.6%, according to the World Bank’s Food Security Update.
Malawi and Nigeria topped the list with food inflation rates of 40.7% and 40.7%, respectively.
Following closely, Sierra Leone (32.4%), Egypt (31.0%), Ethiopia (25.5%), Angola (18.5%), and Zambia (16.2%) occupied the 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th, and 8th positions.
The World Bank reports that numerous African countries continue to struggle with persistently high inflation rates, particularly in food prices.
“Domestic food price inflation remains high in many low- and middle-income countries. Inflation higher than 5% is experienced in 59.1% of low-income countries (no change since the last update on May 30, 2024), 63% of lower-middle-income countries (no change), 36% of upper-middle-income countries (5.0 percentage points higher), and 10.9 percent of high-income countries (3.6 percentage points lower)”.
Inflation, marked by a persistent rise in the overall prices of goods and services, carries significant consequences for any nation affected by it. Moreover, one area profoundly impacted by inflation is the food sector.
High food inflation poses severe implications for African nations, where food constitutes a significant portion of household expenditures.
Escalating food prices heighten the risks of hunger and malnutrition in affected regions.