• Kinshasa food prices drop significantly due to abundant harvests, with tomatoes falling 47% and eggplants down 30%

• Imported products also decline as regular shipments boost supply, with European onions dropping 36%

• Grain maize bucks trend with 38% price increase, rising from 210,000 to 290,000 Congolese francs per 100kg bag

Food prices across Kinshasa have dropped dramatically over recent days as abundant seasonal harvests and steady imports flood the capital's markets, offering relief to consumers facing persistent inflation pressures.

The most striking decline hit tomatoes from Kimpese, which plummeted 47% from 190,000 Congolese francs per case to 100,500 francs. Eggplants from Boma in Central Kongo region fell 30%, selling for 125,500 francs compared to the previous 180,000 francs per bag.

Seasonal harvests are powering widespread reductions across fresh produce categories. Celery bundles dropped 13% to 30,500 francs, while avocados from Mbanza-Ngungu decreased 18% from 110,000 to 90,000 francs per case between August 12 and September 12, according to Agence congolaise de presse (ACP). Even cucumbers saw modest declines, falling 8% to 230,500 francs per bag.

The price drops reflect the cyclical nature of agricultural markets, where harvest seasons typically create temporary supply surges that benefit urban consumers who often struggle with food affordability.

Imports Add to Supply Pressure

International shipments have amplified the downward pressure on prices. European onion fillets crashed 36% from 180,000 to 115,500 francs, while imported garlic dropped 24% to 60,500 francs per 20-kilogram package. These declines suggest improved import flows are complementing domestic production to ease market tensions.

Maize Bucks the Trend

Grain maize stands as a notable exception to the broader decline, surging 38% from 210,000 to 290,000 francs per 100-kilogram bag between August 25 and September 11. No explanation was provided for this increase, which contrasts sharply with the general market trend.

Market sellers quoted by AgriMedia expect continued price declines as long as supply remains robust from both local harvests and regular import arrivals. 

Timothée Manoke