Kinshasa Food Prices Drop Sharply as Harvests Boost Supply

Food prices in Kinshasa have fallen sharply in recent weeks, thanks to strong seasonal harvests and steady import arrivals that are easing pressure on household budgets.

According to figures reported by the Agence congolaise de presse (ACP), key staples, such as tomatoes and eggplants, saw the biggest price cuts, while imported products, including onions and garlic, also recorded sharp declines.

Fresh Produce Relief

Tomatoes from Kimpese dropped 47%, falling from 190,000 Congolese francs per case to 100,500 francs. Eggplants from Boma in Central Kongo fell 30%, now selling at 125,500 francs per bag compared to 180,000 francs previously.

Other crops also became cheaper:

Celery bundles fell 13% to 30,500 francs.

Avocados from Mbanza-Ngungu slid 18% from 110,000 to 90,000 francs per case.

Cucumbers recorded a smaller 8% decline to 230,500 francs per bag.

These price drops reflect the seasonal surge in harvests that typically benefits city consumers who struggle with high food costs.

Imports Add to Supply