By Vuyani Ndaba
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Inflation in key sub-Saharan African economies is unlikely to slow to targets even after recent aggressive interest rate hikes as central banks look to reverse those increases, a Reuters poll found.
Economies in the region have struggled to mirror the disinflation trend in some parts of the world this year due to weak currencies and high food prices, despite 450 basis points (bps) in rate hikes from Zambia to 1,275 bps in Nigeria over the past two years.
The median forecast in the July 17-24 poll in key African economies including Angola, Ghana and Nigeria showed inflation was unlikely to return to central banks' target bands anytime soon.
Inflation in Nigeria - Africa's biggest economy - is expected to slow next year to an average of 19.9% from 30.3% this year, still far from its central bank's 6%-9% target range.
Nigeria's central bank raised its benchmark lending rate by 50 basis points to 26.75% earlier this week.
June's inflation rate was 34.19% in Nigeria and in neighbouring Ghana it was 22.8%. Ghana's rate is expected to slow and average 13.1% next year from 21.1% this year.
The Bank of Ghana targets inflation at 8%, with a margin of error of 2 percentage points either side.
Authorities in Ghana are expected to finish the year with interest rates 200 basis points lower, with the first 50 basis point cut in its main rate to 28.50% expected on Monday.
J.P. Morgan said in a note that in economies such as Nigeria, Zambia and Angola - "calling the inflation peak has become more challenging whilst we still expect a peak within the next 1-2 months".
It said the disinflation path that follows will also be quite sticky with risks of more upside than downside.
Inflation in Angola is expected to slow to 16.7% next year from 27.5% this year, while in Zambia it is forecast to ease to 11.0% from 14.2%, the poll showed.
Cost push pressures, loose fiscal policies and foreign exchange weakness are key factors behind the inflation persistence witnessed in the region, added J.P. Morgan.
It was only Kenya where medians in the poll showed inflation quickening slightly next year, to 5.6% from 5.5% this year. However, it is still considered a success story on the continent, with inflation running in single digits similar to South Africa, the continent's most industrialised economy.
(Other stories from the Reuters global economic poll)