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Top 10 African Countries With Highest Cost Of Living At Start Of 2026

Published

4 months ago

January 31, 2026

Living expenses across Africa continue to vary widely, shaped by factors such as import dependence, inflation, currency strength and access to basic services.

Contents
Seychelles (64.5)
Democratic Republic of Congo – DRC (50.2)
Senegal (48.5)
Cape Verde (46.3)
Ivory Coast (44.8)
Angola (42.3)
Ethiopia (41.8)
Cameroon (40.7)
Mauritius (38.3)
South Africa (37.1)

At the beginning of 2026, several African countries recorded notably high living costs, making daily expenses a growing concern for residents and expatriates alike.

Using the latest Cost of Living data from Numbeo, which tracks the cost of goods and services across major cities globally, the index considers prices of groceries, transportation, restaurants, and utilities, excluding rent.

Here are the top 10 African countries with the highest cost of living at the start of 2026.

Seychelles (64.5)

Seychelles tops the list as the most expensive country in Africa. The island nation’s heavy dependence on imported goods significantly drives up prices, especially for food and dining. Grocery costs stand at 74.8, while restaurant prices reach 66.2.

Although rent is relatively moderate at 27.6, the overall cost of living remains the highest on the continent.

Democratic Republic of Congo – DRC (50.2)

Despite its vast natural resources, the DRC records a high cost-of-living index of 50.2. Groceries and restaurant prices average 48.0 and 66.1, respectively, while rent stands at 32.8. In major cities such as Kinshasa, residents face high living expenses despite relatively low purchasing power.

Senegal (48.5)

Senegal ranks third with a cost-of-living index of 48.5. Although rent remains relatively affordable at 19.3, expenses for food and dining out, 45.0 and 42.9, respectively, contribute significantly to the overall cost. Purchasing power remains limited at 22.2, affecting household spending capacity.

Cape Verde (46.3)

Cape Verde’s cost of living is driven largely by its reliance on imported goods. Groceries are priced at 57.2, while restaurant costs stand at 35.6. Rent remains relatively low at 8.8, helping to cushion overall expenses. However, local purchasing power remains weak at 21.3.

Ivory Coast (44.8)

With a cost-of-living index of 44.8, the Ivory Coast combines moderate rent costs of 21.8 with relatively high prices for groceries and dining, at 41.3 and 39.1, respectively. Purchasing power remains low at 12.7, making daily living challenging for many residents.

Angola (42.3)

Angola continues to rank among Africa’s most expensive countries, with a cost-of-living index of 42.3. Grocery and restaurant prices stand at 39.2 and 35.0, while rent remains high at 24.8, particularly in Luanda. Although purchasing power appears high at 200.8, this figure reflects currency distortions rather than widespread affordability.

Ethiopia (41.8)

Ethiopia records a cost-of-living index of 41.8. Groceries are priced at 44.5, while rent averages 18.3. Restaurant prices remain relatively low at 22.9, but the limited purchasing power of 12.5 continues to strain household budgets, especially in Addis Ababa.

Cameroon (40.7)

Cameroon’s cost-of-living index stands at 40.7. Grocery prices average 37.8, while restaurant costs rise to 45.5. Rent remains moderate at 19.1, though overall purchasing power remains low at 10.5.

Mauritius (38.3)

Mauritius records a cost-of-living index of 38.3. While grocery prices are relatively high at 41.1, rent is more affordable at 10.9. The country benefits from stronger purchasing power at 55.1, offering residents greater financial flexibility compared to many peers.

South Africa (37.1)

South Africa rounds out the list with a cost-of-living index of 37.1. Rent averages 13.0, groceries 32.6, and restaurant prices 35.6. With purchasing power at 109.2, residents enjoy comparatively better financial stability than in many other African countries.

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Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

12 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
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‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
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It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
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Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

13 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

13 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.