High inflation on fruits and vegetables is causing losses for local vendors selling on the streets of Windhoek. 

Recent statistics published on the Namibia Consumer Price Index show the annual inflation rate at 3.2%.

Vegetables, including potatoes and other tubers, prices increased by 6.3% during January 2025 compared to 13.1% in January 2024.

The slow increase was mainly reflected in the price levels of mealies from 30.5% to 0.3%, cabbage from 31.4% to 6.4%, and potatoes from 26.9% to 9.7%.

Selma Paulus, a business owner who runs her business alongside Nelson Mandela Avenue, said their business suffers particularly during the winter season, as they operate from under makeshift tents and lack proper storing facilities or a formal market.