02 Jul Ethiopia, the most expensive country in Africa
The cost of living continues to rise in Ethiopia too: unfortunately, this is not a new phenomenon but a well-known problem, which is now certified by even establishing the country as the first country on the African continent.
The world’s largest database on the cost of living, in its latest report, stated that Ethiopians now spend more on basic necessities such as food and transportation, compared to other African countries: the “Cost of Living Index by Country 2025” report shows that Ethiopia ranks 53rd in the world, with a cost of living index higher than any other African country.
The high cost of food is one of the main reasons for Ethiopia’s first place: this shows how it is becoming increasingly difficult for people to afford weekly shopping, especially for families with low incomes.
Although rents in Ethiopia are still relatively low compared to many other parts of the world, they are rising (particularly in the Tigray area) and the combined cost of rent and living expenses remains very high for most people.
The transport index shows that travel within the country, both for work and for personal needs, is more expensive than in most other African countries: this is mainly due to the rising cost of fuel.
In terms of purchasing power, things are no better: Ethiopia is the fifth worst in the world ranking (which considers over 140 countries), doing worse only than Cuba, Syria, Cameroon and Nigeria.
This situation is part of a context of economic changes: in the last year, in fact, Ethiopia has made major interventions in its economy, such as the adjustment of the monetary system and the reduction of public spending, in an attempt to exit the default state it entered in 2023.
Another important intervention was made last year, sanctioning salary increases of up to 25% in all nine levels of the public administration classification system.
However, there remains a cost of living that continues to make a return to life very difficult, and sometimes unfortunately impossible, for the Tigray region and for Adwa, where they are still dealing with the aftermath of the civil war.
This also affects the Kidane Mehret Hospital, where the general increase in costs complicates daily supplies, in addition to the work to complete the second wing of the facility.