Senegal's inflation slowed to 1% in September 2026, with food prices rising sharply but imported goods falling, as the government boosts aid for vulnerable households.
Inflation slows in Senegal
Inflation in Senegal has slowed, with consumer prices rising by 1 percent year-on-year in September 2026, down from 1.2 percent in August, according to the National Agency for Statistics and Demography (ANSD).Main price increases identified
The Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (IHPC) reported that the main increases concerned personal care and social protection services, various goods, health, as well as restaurants and accommodation. Transport prices increased by 1.2 percent, while prices for food products and non-alcoholic beverages rose by 0.9 percent.Underlying inflation trends
The underlying inflation, which excludes fresh products and energy, also stood at 1 percent year-on-year. However, price evolution varies according to the origin of the products. Locally produced products recorded an increase of 1.4 percent, while imported products showed a decline of 0.2 percent.Price changes by durability
By durability category, service prices rose by 1.3 percent, compared to 0.8 percent for non-durable goods. Durable and semi-durable goods increased by 1.6 percent and 1 percent respectively.Monthly and annual price changes
The IHPC reported a 1.1 percent increase in consumer prices in one month and a 1.0 percent increase in one year. According to the ANSD, the monthly increase is mainly driven by food products, housing, water, electricity, gas and fuels, and fuels.Food price volatility noted
The prices of fresh leafy vegetables increased by 23.9 percent in one month. In contrast, the prices of citrus fruits decreased by 10.1 percent. The IHPC measures the evolution of the prices of goods and services consumed by households. Monthly and annual variations allow tracking this evolution over different periods.Food situation worsens in some areas
This slowdown in inflation occurs as several departments in Senegal are facing a deterioration in the food situation during the lean season. To address this, the government has mobilized more than 7.2 billion CFA francs in favor of vulnerable households, particularly through social transfers, the distribution of food kits, and assistance to livestock.Government initiatives to stabilize prices
Authorities have also strengthened measures aimed at securing supply and supporting local production. In response to the high cost of living, the government has multiplied initiatives aimed at reducing the cost of essential goods and fuels, strengthening market control, and better targeting public assistance.Subsidy targeting and support measures
In September 2026, the executive announced a better targeting of subsidies, particularly in the energy sector, in order to focus more support on the most vulnerable households. The resumption of family security grants also fits into this orientation.Inflation forecasts and policy stability
On the macroeconomic level, the Multi-Year Budget and Economic Programming Document (DPBEP) 2026-2028 forecasts an average inflation rate of 1.7 percent for the period, measured by the GDP deflator. This forecast remains below the 3 percent threshold set in the context of multilateral monitoring by the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA).Central bank maintains interest rate
In this context of moderate price increases, the West African Economic and Monetary Union Central Bank (BCEAO) maintained its main policy rate at 3 percent during its last monetary policy meeting.
