Rising Food Prices Drive Zanzibar Inflation Up

Zanzibar Inflation Rate Rises as Food Prices Surge

Zanzibar’s inflation rate rose to 5.27% in January 2025, marking an increase from the 4.90% recorded in December 2024. This rise is primarily attributed to the significant jump in food prices, according to the Office of the Chief Government Statistician (OCGS) - Zanzibar.

Salma Saleh Ali, a statistician at OCGS, reported that the prices of essential food items such as rice varieties (including Mapembe, Mbeya, and Basmati), wheat flour, bananas, cooking oil, and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 7.21%. While this rise is substantial, it represents a slight decrease compared to the 7.90% increase seen in December 2024.

Shami Chamicha, from the Bank of Tanzania (BoT), pointed out that the global economy’s gradual stabilization and the decline in commodity prices have played a role in easing inflationary pressures. Furthermore, he acknowledged the government’s effective implementation of monetary and economic policies as another factor contributing to the current inflation trend.

Government Focus on Youth Rehabilitation Amid Economic Concerns

In a separate development, Mr. Hamid Seif Said, the Urban District Commissioner, emphasized the importance of rehabilitating young people involved in criminal activities and drug abuse. Speaking with a delegation from the Zanzibar Youth Council at his office in Amani, he expressed concern over the growing number of youth participating in unlawful activities such as theft, drug use, and gang involvement.

Mr. Said called on the Zanzibar Youth Council to devise strategies that could help reintegrate these young individuals back into society, stressing the need for self-awareness education. He further assured the council of his office’s support in reaching out to young people, particularly those living on the streets, to assist them in becoming self-reliant and positive contributors to society.

Mr. Ali Haji Hassan, Executive Secretary of the Zanzibar Youth Council, confirmed the council’s commitment to collaborating with the government in developing strategies aimed at empowering youth and steering them away from negative influences. He underscored that such efforts require a collective approach involving the community, private institutions, and the government.