Zambia's annual inflation rate eased slightly in June, offering a modest reprieve from rising consumer prices as the country's cost-of-living crisis remains a key issue ahead of next month's general elections.

The annual inflation rate slowed to 6.5 percent in June from 6.6 percent in May, according to figures released on Thursday by the Zambia Statistics Agency.

Statistician General Sheila Mudenda said the marginal decline was driven by slower price increases in both food and non-food items.

Food inflation fell to 6.7 percent from 6.9 percent in May, largely due to lower price movements for cereals, cooking oil and eggs.

Other market results

Meanwhile, non-food inflation eased to 6.0 percent from 6.1 percent, reflecting slower increases in the prices of motor vehicles, fuel, passenger air transport and accommodation services.

Despite the improvement, many Zambian households continue to struggle with the high cost of living, making inflation one of the defining issues in the campaign ahead of the 13 August general elections.

Political parties have sought to win over voters by pledging measures to address soaring food prices, transport costs and mounting pressure on household incomes.

Economists say even marginal changes in inflation are likely to be closely scrutinized in the weeks leading up to the vote, with the country's economic outlook expected to influence voter sentiment at the polls.