Is your old t-shirt hurting African economies?

By Teo Kermeliotis and Robyn Curnow , CNN
Published 5:38 AM EDT, Fri April 12, 2013
Second-hand clothing is a big business in open-air markets across many African countries.
Second-hand clothes trade —
Second-hand clothing is a big business in open-air markets across many African countries.
SIMON MAINA/AFP/GettyImages/file
Several African countries, including South Africa and Nigeria, have banned imports of previously owned garments to protect national industries.
Second-hand clothes trade —
Several African countries, including South Africa and Nigeria, have banned imports of previously owned garments to protect national industries.
SIMON MAINA/AFP/GettyImages/file
Designer Sylvia Owori (pictured), one of the most prominent fashion figures in Uganda, says heavy competition from the used-clothing industry is a growing threat to her business. "It's very difficult to compete with second-hand market," she says. "Probably 90% of the clothing people are buying in the whole country are second-hand clothes."
Fashion designer Sylvia Owori —
Designer Sylvia Owori (pictured), one of the most prominent fashion figures in Uganda, says heavy competition from the used-clothing industry is a growing threat to her business. "It's very difficult to compete with second-hand market," she says. "Probably 90% of the clothing people are buying in the whole country are second-hand clothes."
ANDREAS SOLARO/AFP/Getty Images/file
A vendor sells second-hand clothes in Nairobi, Kenya. Some analysts say the influx of Western used clothes curtails local clothing production and hinders economic development.
Second-hand clothes trade —
A vendor sells second-hand clothes in Nairobi, Kenya. Some analysts say the influx of Western used clothes curtails local clothing production and hinders economic development.
SIMON MAINA/AFP/GettyImages/file
In pictures: Second-hand clothing in Africa

Story highlights

Previously owned clothing is big business in Africa

But mass influx of second-hand clothes from the West damages local industries

Designers say cast-offs are preventing their businesses from growing

Several African countries have banned imports of second-hand clothes

CNN  — 

Inside one of the many busy open markets in Kampala, rows of hanged trousers and dresses swing in midair, casting a shadow over the colorful stacks of unsorted clothes sitting on rickety wooden stalls.

Amidst the hustle and bustle, bargain-hunting shoppers rummage through the large piles of printed t-shirts, short-sleeved blouses and retro jackets in search of a great deal.

This is the Ugandan capital’s version of a thrift store, fully stocked with second-hand garments from the West. Here, European-made clothing, American sports jerseys and designer labels are all offered at discount prices, turning second-hand markets like this into a prime destination for cheap garments.

“Things from U.S. and UK, London, they are nice,” says Karol, owner of a local second-hand market stall. “My customers keep on coming.”

marketplace africa uganda market_00005805.jpg
marketplace africa uganda market_00005805.jpg
video

Cashing in on second-hand clothing

inside africa uganda kampala entrepreneurs b_00060713
inside africa uganda kampala entrepreneur