Reported November 5, 2026. Thumbnail: editorial illustration.
Key Takeaways
- 14.6% annual inflation in October compares with 14.9% in September.
- Ethiopian Statistics Service figures show food inflation easing to 14.1%.
- 15.4% non-food inflation increased from 15.1% a month earlier.
- 17.1% transport inflation rose from 16.0%, indicating continued mobility cost pressure.
- 36.2% inflation in sugar, honey and chocolate exceeded other reported food categories.
- 11.1% restaurant and hotel inflation slowed from 15.3%.
- NBE expects inflation to remain in double digits over its six-month forecast horizon.
Market Impact
Slower food inflation moderated the headline rate, but rising non-food inflation leaves businesses and households facing persistent cost pressures.
Transport costs accelerated while education, health and communications inflation eased. The overall slowdown therefore masks divergent sector trends.
Key Numbers
- 14.6% — annual headline inflation — down 0.3 percentage points.
- 14.1% — food inflation — supports the headline easing.
- 17.1% — transport inflation — highlights operating-cost pressure.
Business Signal
October’s inflation slowdown offers uneven relief as transport and other non-food prices accelerate.