Sudan recorded the highest inflation rate among the African countries reviewed in July 2026, with annual consumer price growth reaching 41.61%, while Nigeria ranked third at 15.43%, according to the latest available consumer price index data.

The figures, drawn from national statistical agencies and central banks, cover the most recent readings available between June and July 2026. South Sudan was excluded because its latest reported inflation figure dates back to May 2025.

Sudan’s 41.61% inflation rate was significantly above the rest of the countries in the ranking. However, the figure represented a sharp decline from 51.28% in June, a reduction of 9.67 percentage points.

Despite the annual slowdown, consumer prices in Sudan continued to rise during July. The country’s general Consumer Price Index increased 1.47% month-on-month, while urban inflation stood at 45.24% and rural inflation at 39.85%.

Malawi ranked second, with inflation easing to 20.80% in July from 21.10% in June. The decline was mainly linked to lower food-price pressures, with food inflation falling to 14.3% from 14.7%.

Non-food inflation in Malawi, however, moved higher to 32.2%, largely because of increases in charcoal and firewood prices. The figures highlight the continued influence of food and energy costs on household purchasing power across African economies.

Nigeria came third at 15.43%, down from 15.91% in June. While the headline rate continued to moderate, food inflation moved in the opposite direction, rising to 20.31% year-on-year.

The National Bureau of Statistics reported a sharp increase in Nigeria’s monthly food inflation rate, which rose to 5.56% from 3.75% in June. Higher average prices for rice, water yam, plantain, fresh pepper, onions, tomatoes, garri, beef and eggs contributed to the increase.

Ethiopia ranked fourth, recording 15.30% inflation in July, compared with 13.90% in June. Food inflation rose to 15.7%, while non-food inflation increased to 14.8%. Monthly consumer prices also rose 2.6%, the strongest monthly increase since March 2025.

Sierra Leone followed at 14.77% in June, up from 12.69% in May. The increase was driven largely by non-food inflation, which reached 21.03%. Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels recorded an annual increase of 81.33%, while transport prices rose 40.23%.

Rwanda recorded 14.50% inflation in July, up from 13.60% a month earlier. Transport prices increased 24.2% year-on-year, while housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels rose 21.0%.

Egypt ranked seventh with 13.00% inflation in July, compared with 12.20% in June. Housing, water, electricity, gas and fuel recorded a 31.1% annual increase, while transport and education costs rose 21.1% and 20%, respectively.

Libya recorded 12.70% inflation in June, down from 14.00% in May. Food inflation also eased substantially, falling to 13.90% from 17.60%.

São Tomé and Príncipe posted 9.70% inflation in June, up from 9.20%, while Botswana completed the ranking at 9.40%. Botswana’s decline was linked partly to lower domestic fuel prices introduced on July 7.

The inflation trends have implications beyond household consumption. Higher prices for building materials, transport, energy and other inputs can increase construction costs, put pressure on property development budgets and affect the affordability of housing and infrastructure projects.

For Nigeria, the combination of easing headline inflation and rising food inflation remains particularly important for the housing sector. Developers, contractors, homebuyers and mortgage borrowers continue to operate in an environment where the cost of essential goods and services can influence construction budgets, household disposable income and the ability to finance housing.

Across the 10 countries, five recorded higher inflation while five saw their rates decline. The contrasting movements underline the different pressures facing African economies, with food, energy, transport and broader consumer costs remaining important drivers of inflation.

The post Top 10 African Countries With Highest Inflation Rates in July 2026 appeared first on Housing TV Africa.