April 2024 Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket Statement: Securing Livelihoods in Light of the High Cost of Living; The 2025 Budget and Medium Term Expenditure Framework

In response to Zambia's ongoing budget cycle and the Ministry of Finance and National Planning's call for inclusive participation, the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) presents findings from its April 2024 Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) analysis. The report highlights a slight reduction in the cost of living for a family of five, primarily driven by lower charcoal prices and reductions in the prices of select food items. However, persistent high commodity costs amid economic challenges like inflation, drought, and unemployment remain pressing concerns, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women and youth. JCTR recommends strengthening social sector spending, supporting small businesses, and undertaking tax reforms to alleviate the burden on low-income individuals and households. Additionally, the report underscores the importance of raising awareness about alternative energy sources like Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to mitigate health and environmental risks associated with charcoal use. Overall, JCTR emphasises the importance of citizen engagement in the budgeting process to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective policy implementation towards Zambia's Vision 2030 of becoming a prosperous middle-income country.