Economists have applauded the Second Republic’s efforts in stabilising prices, describing the 0.2 percent weighted inflation rate recorded in October as a remarkable policy achievement and a testament to the Government’s disciplined economic management.
According to the latest figures released by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (Zimstat), the weighted month-on-month inflation rate for October 2025 stood at 0.2 percent — a slight increase of 0.1 percentage points from the 0.1 percent recorded in September.
This indicates that prices, as measured by the all-items weighted Consumer Price Index (CPI), rose by an average of 0.2 percent between September and October 2025.
Economist Mr Stevenson Dlamini said the figure reflects the success of the country’s disinflationary policies and marks a turning point toward economic stability.
“The 0.2 percent inflation figure signifies a monumental success in policy commitment. It demonstrates that the difficult but necessary disinflationary process has finally delivered the foundational stability required for the entire Zimbabwean economy,” said Mr Dlamini.
He added that the focus should now shift from controlling inflation to sustaining non-inflationary growth and safeguarding the credibility of the newly introduced local currency.
The weighted CPI, used by Zimstat, combines both Zimbabwe Gold (ZWG) and United States dollar (USD) inflation to reflect the dual-currency structure of the economy.
Zimstat reported that the weighted month-on-month inflation for food and non-alcoholic beverages stood at 0.4 percent in October, up from 0.1 percent in September. The non-food inflation rate rose to 0.1 percent, recovering from a negative 0.2 percent the previous month.
Another economist, Mr George Nhepera, commended the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) for its tight monetary stance, which he said has been instrumental in curbing price volatility.
“Our month-on-month inflation is now low and stable, a direct result of the central bank’s disciplined monetary policy,” said Mr Nhepera. “However, the annual inflation rate remains a concern, as it still sits in double digits and continues to unsettle both domestic and international investors.”
Mr Nhepera expressed optimism that the RBZ’s target of achieving single-digit inflation within six months is attainable, noting that this would align Zimbabwe’s inflation levels with those prevailing across the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
Zimstat’s data shows that the weighted year-on-year inflation rate for October 2025 was 16.8 percent, meaning prices increased by an average of 16.8 percent between October 2024 and October 2025.
In his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Tuesday, President Mnangagwa reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to maintaining macroeconomic stability and controlling inflation.
“My Government is diligently implementing the necessary policies, measures, and initiatives to maintain the stability of the ZWG and control inflation,” said the President. “Going forward, macroeconomic stability is expected to become the hallmark of our economy.”
Economists say the latest inflation figures confirm that Zimbabwe’s economic policy direction — characterised by fiscal discipline and monetary restraint — is beginning to bear fruit, setting the stage for sustainable growth and investor confidence. – Herald