The Bank of Zambia’s Monetary Policy Committee cut the policy rate by 75 bp to 13.5 % at its 9–10 February meeting, citing a sharper-than-expected fall in inflation and forecasts showing a quicker move into the 6–8 % target band as early as Q2 2026. The decision follows a year in which the rate was kept at 14.5 % from May and then lowered by 25 bp in November 2025. Headline inflation eased to 11.2 % in December and dropped further to 9.4 % in January, driven by a bumper 2024/25 maize harvest and the Zambian kwacha’s appreciation; the central bank now sees average inflation at 6.9 % in 2026 and 6.3 % in 2027, with risks tilted to the downside. The currency gains are reinforced by supportive external conditions, including higher copper prices, while favourable weather is expected to sustain agricultural output. The committee reiterated that future moves will hinge on realised and projected inflation and associated risks, including those to financial stability.
Bank of Zambia 2026-02-11
Bank of Zambia cuts policy rate by 75 bp to 13.5 %
Bank of Zambia cut its policy rate 75 bp to 13.5 % after inflation fell to 9.4 % in January and forecasts showed a return to the 6–8 % target band by Q2 2026. The committee, following last November’s 25 bp trim, said future actions will hinge on inflation and financial-stability risks.