Top 10 African Countries With the Highest Groceries Index in Early 2026

In Summary

• Seychelles tops Africa with the highest groceries index at 74.8, reflecting elevated import dependence.
• Cape Verde and DRC follow, with grocery costs influenced by supply chain and currency fluctuations.
• Southern and West African nations show moderate costs, shaped by local production and market reforms.

Deep Dive!!

Lagos, Nigeria, Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - The Groceries Index is a measure that tracks the relative cost of food items across countries, providing a snapshot of how much people spend on essential groceries such as bread, dairy, meat, fruits, and vegetables. Unlike broader cost-of-living indicators, this index focuses exclusively on everyday food expenses, offering a clear view of the financial weight of feeding a household. For families, workers, and policymakers, understanding these numbers is crucial, as grocery costs directly influence budgeting, nutrition, and overall economic well-being.

High or rising grocery costs can have ripple effects throughout society. For consumers, it impacts disposable income, forcing adjustments in spending on non-essential items or even altering diet choices. For governments and businesses, fluctuations in grocery prices can signal supply chain challenges, inflationary pressures, or opportunities to strengthen local production. In this sense, the Groceries Index is not only a measure of cost but a reflection of broader economic and social conditions that affect daily life.

This article will examine the 2026 African Groceries Index rankings according to Numbeo, providing detailed insights into why certain countries rank higher or lower. By analyzing recent policies, market trends, and economic factors, we will explain what these scores mean for residents and how each country arrived at its current position. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of grocery affordability in Africa and the forces shaping it.

10. Namibia

Namibia’s groceries index of 37.8 places it at the lower end of Africa’s 2026 ranking, reflecting a combination of local agricultural production and logistical challenges. The country benefits from extensive arable land in the central and northern regions, which supports staple crops such as maize, millet, and sorghum. Local production helps stabilize prices for these basic items, keeping household grocery costs lower than in more import-dependent nations. Despite this, Namibia still relies on imports for a significant portion of processed foods, dairy products, and certain fruits, which contributes to higher costs in urban centers like Windhoek and Swakopmund.

In late 2025, Namibia implemented targeted subsidies for small-scale farmers aimed at boosting local vegetable and fruit production. These measures, part of the Ministry of Agriculture’s “Food Resilience Plan,” helped increase supply and slightly moderate grocery prices toward the end of the year. However, transportation costs remain high due to the country’s sparse population and long distances between farms and urban markets. These logistical factors continue to influence the groceries index, particularly for fresh produce and imported items.

Currency fluctuations also played a role. The Namibian dollar, pegged to the South African rand, saw moderate stability in 2025, but any volatility in the rand translates directly to import costs. This dynamic affects goods such as rice, sugar, and frozen foods. Retailers and wholesalers have responded by adjusting pricing structures, sometimes passing higher costs onto consumers in the form of modest price hikes. These shifts are reflected in the country’s 37.8 grocery index score, signaling a balance between affordability and the structural limitations of supply chains.

Looking forward, Namibia’s ongoing investment in cold storage facilities and rural market infrastructure may further contain grocery costs. If the government continues to support domestic production and improve transport efficiency, the groceries index could remain stable or even improve slightly in the coming years. For residents, understanding these dynamics helps explain why some items remain expensive despite abundant local staples and why policy decisions from late 2025 are already shaping 2026 prices.

9. Cameroon 

Cameroon records a groceries index of 37.8, reflecting the complex mix of local production, import reliance, and regional disparities in food availability. The country’s southern regions benefit from fertile lands that produce cocoa, plantains, bananas, and cassava, which help stabilize local prices. However, northern regions face recurring challenges due to semi-arid conditions and less-developed infrastructure, leading to uneven access to fresh produce. This regional variation influences the national groceries index, as urban centers like Douala and Yaoundé rely heavily on food transported from distant agricultural zones.

In late 2025, Cameroon’s Ministry of Agriculture launched the “AgriBoost Initiative”, a set of policy interventions targeting smallholder farmers and market cooperatives. The program focused on improving storage facilities, providing subsidized fertilizers, and expanding access to microloans. By strengthening local supply chains, these policies helped reduce post-harvest losses and increased the availability of staple goods, subtly affecting grocery prices by late 2025. For households, these measures meant slightly more predictable pricing for maize, cassava, and other core staples, though imported items like dairy and processed foods remained more expensive.

Currency dynamics and trade relations also shaped Cameroon’s groceries index. The Central African CFA franc, which Cameroon uses, remained relatively stable against major currencies throughout 2025. Nevertheless, import costs for rice, wheat flour, and cooking oil were influenced by global commodity prices and occasional transportation bottlenecks at the Douala port. Late-2025 interventions, including streamlined customs procedures and infrastructure upgrades at key ports, mitigated some of these pressures, ensuring that grocery costs did not spike dramatically despite regional supply chain challenges.

Demographic and urbanization trends are additional factors. Rapid population growth in major cities has increased demand for processed and imported foods, placing upward pressure on prices despite improvements in local agricultural output. Meanwhile, rural areas continue to face seasonal price fluctuations for perishable goods. Looking ahead, if Cameroon maintains its focus on rural infrastructure, enhances market access, and continues supporting local producers, the groceries index could gradually stabilize or decline. For residents, the 37.8 score highlights a balance between improving local production and persistent challenges from import dependency and urban demand pressures.

8. Angola 

Angola recorded a groceries index of 39.2 in 2026, reflecting the interplay between its post-oil economic adjustments, domestic agricultural output, and reliance on imports for many staple foods. The country benefits from fertile river valleys, particularly along the Kwanza and Cunene rivers, which produce cassava, maize, and bananas. Despite this potential, Angola’s grocery prices remain elevated due to persistent infrastructure bottlenecks, limited cold storage capacity, and the need to import key items such as rice, wheat, dairy, and cooking oil. Urban centers like Luanda experience the highest costs, driven by logistics, import dependency, and high consumer demand.

In late 2025, the Angolan government implemented targeted agricultural incentives under the “Food Security Acceleration Plan”, which included subsidized seeds, equipment grants for smallholder farmers, and low-interest credit to cooperatives. These measures aimed to boost local production of vegetables, tubers, and cereals. While early results have been promising, particularly in increasing maize yields in Huambo province, the impact on grocery prices is gradual, as urban areas still rely heavily on imported processed goods. This partially explains the groceries index of 39.2: local supply is improving, but imported staples keep costs elevated.

Currency stability and inflation trends have been crucial factors as well. The Angolan kwanza experienced moderate stabilization in 2025, which helped limit sudden spikes in imported food prices. Nevertheless, Angola still faces inflationary pressures from global commodity price shifts, particularly for imported rice and cooking oil. In response, the Ministry of Commerce introduced late-2025 price monitoring initiatives in urban markets to prevent sharp increases, giving households some predictability in their monthly grocery budgets. These interventions show that policy action directly shapes the groceries index, even amid global volatility.

Looking ahead, Angola’s future grocery affordability will depend on continuing to strengthen domestic production, expand cold chain logistics, and manage import dependencies strategically. Residents are likely to see gradual relief in staple costs if infrastructure investments in roads, storage, and distribution continue. The 39.2 score signals a country in transition: improving self-sufficiency paired with ongoing exposure to external price pressures. For Angolans, understanding these dynamics provides insight into how late-2025 policies and economic factors are already influencing 2026 grocery costs.

7. Mauritius 

Mauritius posts a groceries index of 41.1 in 2026, reflecting a unique mix of small island dynamics, import reliance, and tourism-driven food demand. The country produces some local staples such as sugarcane, tropical fruits, and vegetables, but the majority of daily grocery items, including wheat-based products, dairy, and poultry, are imported. This heavy dependence on imports exposes residents to global price fluctuations, shipping costs, and currency volatility, all of which contribute directly to the groceries index. Urban areas like Port Louis and Curepipe experience the highest prices, partly due to the concentration of supermarkets catering to both locals and the tourism sector.

Late 2025 saw the Mauritian government strengthen its Food Security and Local Production Program, focusing on boosting local vegetable and poultry production. Subsidies for smallholder farmers, coupled with investments in cold storage facilities and improved irrigation systems, aimed to reduce dependency on imported fresh produce. By the end of 2025, the program had led to measurable increases in local vegetable yields and poultry production, slightly easing pressure on grocery prices. Nevertheless, the overall impact on the 41.1 index is limited, as high-end processed foods and imported staples remain costly, especially in tourist-heavy regions where demand consistently drives prices upward.

Tourism plays a particularly significant role in shaping grocery costs in Mauritius. Resorts, restaurants, and hotels rely on imported ingredients to meet international culinary standards. The late-2025 recovery in international travel increased demand for imported foods, which indirectly pushed up retail prices in local supermarkets. Additionally, shipping costs, influenced by both global container rates and the island’s geographic isolation, remained a key factor throughout 2025. These pressures illustrate why residents often pay more for everyday items, even as domestic production improves.

Looking forward, Mauritius has clear policy levers to influence grocery affordability. Expanding local food production, maintaining subsidies, and enhancing storage and distribution logistics could gradually reduce reliance on imports. For residents, the 41.1 groceries index represents the intersection of island geography, global market exposure, and targeted domestic policies. Understanding these dynamics helps explain why some items are expensive while others, like locally grown fruits and vegetables, remain relatively stable, a pattern shaped by both natural advantages and strategic interventions implemented in late 2025.

6. Ivory Coast 

Ivory Coast has a groceries index of 41.3 in 2026, reflecting its position as a leading agricultural nation in West Africa while still facing pricing pressures from imports and urban demand. The country produces significant quantities of cocoa, cassava, yams, plantains, and rice, particularly in the central and northern regions. These staples help keep grocery prices moderately stable for local consumers. However, urban centers such as Abidjan and Bouaké experience higher prices due to increased demand, reliance on imported processed foods, and transportation costs from rural production zones.

In late 2025, the Ivorian government implemented the “National Food Security and Market Stability Initiative”, which included measures to improve storage and transport infrastructure, subsidize fertilizer for smallholder farmers, and streamline market regulations for wholesale food distribution. These interventions increased the availability of staple foods in major cities and rural markets, preventing sharp spikes in prices during seasonal shortages. Residents in urban areas noticed slightly lower prices for locally produced vegetables, grains, and tubers, although imported items like dairy, wheat flour, and canned goods remained relatively expensive, maintaining the 41.3 grocery index score.

Currency stability and inflation also played a role. The West African CFA franc, used in the Ivory Coast, remained stable against major currencies in late 2025, shielding imported staples from extreme volatility. However, global commodity price trends for rice, sugar, and cooking oil still influenced retail costs, particularly in urban supermarkets. Additionally, domestic inflation in food-sensitive sectors slightly increased costs for high-demand items, reinforcing the moderate groceries index despite stronger local production.

Looking ahead, Ivory Coast’s groceries index could improve if the government continues investing in rural infrastructure, supports local agricultural cooperatives, and expands domestic processing capacity. For residents, the 41.3 score highlights a country balancing strong local production with ongoing pressures from urban consumption, import reliance, and global price trends. Understanding these dynamics demonstrates how late-2025 policies and economic conditions are shaping grocery affordability in 2026.

5. Ethiopia 

Ethiopia posts a groceries index of 44.5 in 2026, reflecting a combination of strong local agricultural output, regional disparities, and persistent logistical challenges. The country is a major producer of cereals, pulses, and coffee, particularly in the highland regions, which helps stabilize prices for staples such as teff, maize, and sorghum. However, many urban centers, including Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa, rely on transported goods from distant rural areas. Limited infrastructure and ongoing regional conflicts in parts of the country continue to drive up distribution costs, particularly for fresh produce, contributing to higher grocery prices.

In late 2025, Ethiopia implemented targeted policy measures under its “Agricultural Transformation and Market Stabilization Program”, aimed at improving productivity and reducing post-harvest losses. Fertilizer subsidies, expanded irrigation schemes, and support for smallholder cooperatives led to increased supply of key staples in both local markets and urban centers. These interventions helped prevent extreme price spikes for cereals and vegetables, though imported goods like dairy, sugar, and wheat-based products remained costly, keeping the groceries index at 44.5.

Inflation and currency considerations also influenced grocery costs. The Ethiopian birr experienced moderate volatility in late 2025, and global price fluctuations for imported staples directly affected retail prices. For example, rice and vegetable oil prices were sensitive to international markets, while locally produced grains were somewhat insulated due to government-supported agricultural initiatives. Urban households, which consume a higher proportion of processed and imported foods, faced relatively higher grocery bills than rural residents, illustrating how demographic and consumption patterns shape the national index.

Looking ahead, Ethiopia’s groceries index could improve if the country continues expanding rural infrastructure, strengthens domestic processing capabilities, and enhances supply chain resilience. Residents’ 44.5 score reflects both the benefits of a strong agricultural base and the persistent challenges of transportation, urban demand, and import exposure. Late-2025 policies have already begun to stabilize food availability and moderate costs, signaling a gradual improvement in grocery affordability for 2026.

4. Senegal 

Senegal records a groceries index of 45.0 in 2026, reflecting a balance between local production and dependence on imports. The country benefits from productive agricultural zones in the central and southern regions, producing millet, rice, groundnuts, and maize, which form the backbone of local diets. Coastal fisheries also contribute significantly to the availability of protein-rich food at relatively stable prices. Despite this, urban areas like Dakar, Thiès, and Saint-Louis face higher grocery costs due to strong demand, transport constraints, and reliance on imported processed foods, dairy, and vegetable oils.

In late 2025, the Senegalese government launched the “Food Security and Market Stabilization Program”, aimed at increasing local crop yields, strengthening storage and distribution systems, and supporting smallholder farmers through subsidized fertilizer and credit access. These interventions enhanced the availability of staple foods in markets across the country, reducing seasonal price spikes. As a result, households experienced more predictable pricing for grains, legumes, and fresh produce, though imported staples and high-demand urban foods maintained relatively higher costs, sustaining the groceries index at 45.0.

Currency stability and inflation also influenced grocery costs. The West African CFA franc, which Senegal uses, provided relative stability against major international currencies, limiting sudden increases in import prices. However, global commodity prices for rice, wheat, and vegetable oils continued to affect urban supermarket prices, reflecting the country’s partial dependency on external markets. Combined with rising urban populations and evolving consumption patterns, these factors help explain why grocery affordability differs sharply between rural and urban households.

Looking forward, Senegal’s groceries index could stabilize or gradually decline if government initiatives expand local food processing, improve cold storage and logistics, and strengthen rural market access. The 45.0 score highlights the dual reality for Senegalese residents: strong local agricultural production provides some relief, yet urban demand, import reliance, and global price pressures continue to keep grocery costs elevated. Late-2025 policies are already beginning to shape a more resilient food system, signaling cautious optimism for grocery affordability in 2026.

3. Democratic Republic of the Congo 

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) registered a groceries index of 48.0 in 2026, reflecting the complexity of feeding a country with vast geography, diverse climates, and uneven infrastructure. The DRC produces significant quantities of cassava, maize, plantains, and rice across its fertile central and eastern regions. These staples provide basic dietary security for rural communities and help moderate grocery costs. However, vast distances between production zones and urban centers such as Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, and Kisangani create logistical bottlenecks. Poor road networks and limited cold storage facilities drive up transportation costs, contributing to elevated grocery prices in cities despite abundant rural production.

In late 2025, the DRC government introduced the “National Food Supply Stabilization Plan”, designed to address both production and distribution challenges. The plan included subsidies for smallholder farmers, targeted investment in refrigerated transport for perishable goods, and price monitoring programs in urban markets. These measures increased the availability of staple foods in key cities, helping to prevent sharp price spikes. Despite these improvements, imported processed foods, dairy products, and specialty grains remained expensive, reinforcing the groceries index at 48.0.

Currency and inflation dynamics further influenced grocery affordability. The Congolese franc experienced moderate volatility in late 2025, which affected the cost of imported staples such as rice, wheat flour, and cooking oil. Urban households, which consume a higher proportion of these imported goods, faced higher grocery costs compared to rural populations relying on locally produced staples. Additionally, economic pressures from population growth and urbanization continued to drive demand in major cities, maintaining upward pressure on retail food prices.

Looking forward, the DRC’s groceries index could improve if investments in transport infrastructure, cold storage facilities, and rural market access continue. Strengthening local agricultural processing and enhancing supply chain efficiency are also key to moderating grocery costs. For residents, the 48.0 score illustrates the tension between abundant local production and persistent logistical and import-related pressures. Policies enacted in late 2025 are already laying the groundwork for more stable grocery affordability in 2026, signaling cautious optimism for urban and rural consumers alike.

2. Cape Verde 

Cape Verde records a groceries index of 57.2 in 2026, reflecting its high reliance on imports, limited arable land, and strong tourism-driven demand. The country produces some local vegetables, fruits, and grains, but the archipelago’s volcanic terrain and scarce freshwater resources make large-scale food production challenging. As a result, most staple items—including rice, wheat, dairy, and oils—must be imported, exposing residents to global price fluctuations and shipping costs. This dependence on external supply chains is a key reason why grocery prices in urban centers like Praia and Mindelo are among the highest in Africa.

Tourism has a significant impact on grocery costs in Cape Verde. Resorts, restaurants, and hotels consume a large proportion of imported ingredients, particularly high-quality or specialty foods, which drives up local retail prices. In late 2025, the government launched the “Local Production and Food Security Incentive Program”, aimed at encouraging small-scale vegetable farming, fish processing, and urban gardens. While these measures improved the availability of some local produce, imported staples still dominate urban consumption, keeping the groceries index elevated at 57.2.

Currency and trade factors also influence affordability. The Cape Verdean escudo is pegged to the euro, providing relative stability against international markets but simultaneously linking grocery costs to European inflation trends. In late 2025, global shipping costs remained high, partly due to rising fuel prices, which translated directly into higher retail prices for imported staples. Inflationary pressures combined with tourism-driven demand contributed to the elevated grocery index, particularly for families in urban areas who rely on imported items for daily meals.

Looking ahead, Cape Verde’s grocery affordability will hinge on expanding local production, enhancing cold storage and logistics, and diversifying import sources. The 57.2 score highlights the tension between limited domestic supply and external dependencies, underscoring the importance of targeted policy interventions. Residents can expect incremental relief if late-2025 measures to strengthen local agriculture continue to scale, but imported goods will likely remain costly given the country’s geographic constraints and tourism-driven consumption patterns.

1. Seychelles 

Seychelles tops the 2026 African Groceries Index with a score of 74.8, reflecting the unique challenges of feeding a small island nation heavily reliant on imports. With only a fraction of its land suitable for agriculture, the country produces limited quantities of fruits, vegetables, and seafood. The majority of staple foods, including rice, wheat, dairy, oils, and processed goods, must be imported, making grocery prices highly sensitive to global market fluctuations, shipping costs, and currency movements. Urban areas such as Victoria and Beau Vallon face the highest costs, amplified by high demand from both residents and the robust tourism sector.

Tourism plays a central role in shaping grocery prices in Seychelles. Resorts, hotels, and restaurants consume large quantities of imported goods to meet international culinary standards. In late 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources introduced the “Seychelles Food Sustainability and Price Support Initiative”, which aimed to boost local vegetable gardens, encourage small-scale poultry and fish production, and subsidize select imported staples to reduce volatility. While these measures slightly improved local availability of fresh produce and protein, imported staples remained the primary driver of the groceries index, keeping the 74.8 score exceptionally high.

Currency and trade dynamics also impact grocery costs. The Seychellois rupee remained relatively stable against major currencies in late 2025, helping mitigate sudden spikes in import prices. However, global inflation in staple foods, elevated fuel costs, and shipping delays directly affected retail prices. These pressures disproportionately impact urban households, where reliance on imported goods is highest, while rural and smaller island communities often experience marginally lower costs for locally grown vegetables and fish. Demographic and consumption patterns further reinforce high grocery prices, as a combination of expatriates, tourists, and urban residents drives consistent demand for high-quality imported items.

Looking ahead, Seychelles’ groceries index is likely to remain elevated unless local production and logistical efficiency expand substantially. Investments in hydroponic farms, cold storage, and improved port infrastructure could gradually ease dependence on imports. For residents, the 74.8 score illustrates the tension between natural geographic limitations, global market exposure, and strong tourism-driven demand. Late-2025 policy interventions provide some relief, but imported staples will continue to dominate grocery costs, signaling that Seychelles will likely remain the most expensive country for groceries in Africa for the foreseeable future.

The 2026 African Groceries Index shows that grocery costs are shaped by geography, local production, import reliance, and policy actions. Island nations like Seychelles and Cape Verde top the index due to high import dependence and tourism demand, while countries with stronger agriculture, such as Namibia, Cameroon, and Angola, have lower costs despite urban price pressures. Policies introduced in late 2025, which support farmers, improve storage, and stabilize markets, helped moderate prices; however, global commodity trends and urbanization continue to influence affordability. The rankings reveal the balance between local food security and external dependencies. Moving forward, expanding domestic production and improving supply chains will be key to making groceries more affordable across Africa.