March 2025 Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket Statement: Ensuring Preparedness and Resilience for Improved Living Conditions

The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has released the March 2025 Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB), highlighting the persistent rise in the cost of living in Zambia. The findings reveal that the cost of living for a family of five in Lusaka stands at ZMW 11,546.87, showing a marginal reduction from February but an overall increase compared to the same period in 2024. The analysis across twelve towns indicates that the average cost of living for the first quarter of 2025 is ZMW 8,024.44, with Lusaka recording the highest and Chinsali the lowest. Key price fluctuations in food and non-food items, such as charcoal and vegetables, are attributed to seasonal factors, economic conditions, and supply chain disruptions. The statement calls for urgent policy interventions, including the preservation of post-harvest gains, investment in agricultural infrastructure, and increased funding for social sectors such as health, education, and social protection. JCTR urges the government and stakeholders to prioritise economic justice to ensure that all Zambians can afford a dignified life.