APA – Kampala (Uganda) – Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has announced his government’s decision to ban the importation of used clothes and called for increased investment in local garment industries.
“When a white person dies in Europe, all their clothes are dumped, I do not know which person collects them and sends them to Africa. I thank our friends who are investing in textiles and helping us to get rid of these clothes while also giving jobs to our youth” Museveni said on Friday.
According to estimates from USAID, globally, the African continent receives over 70% of donated clothing. Used clothing and shoes are imported into East Africa for more than U$150 million.
Several Asian countries, including Pakistan, and African countries like Uganda, are among the top importers of used apparel.
Meanwhile, the United States is one of the oldest second-hand clothing exports to Africa. The United States exported about 719 million kg of used dresses in 2018.
The largest market for used clothing is in African nations for various reasons. This is due to the compelling need for affordable clothing among African consumers.
African people are currently unable to purchase new clothes due to the continent’s relative poverty compared to other continents.
Worn-out clothes enable consumers to obtain garments more easily. Due to their low disposable money, many Africans buy used apparel that is more cost-effective.
Not only are the garments affordable, but they are also stylish. Consumers can purchase the newest trends, the designer used brassier, even used bedsheets and blankets at reasonable prices.
However, Nigeria, South Africa, Ethiopia, and Rwanda have already outlawed second-hand clothing, most of which are imported from the United States and the United Kingdom.
This ban is because they fear importing second-hand clothes might affect their local clothes. With this ban, they hope local factories can generate much-needed jobs.
To support its textile sector, Rwanda banned the import of used clothing in 2018.
Rwanda’s duty-free export privileges were terminated due to this action, which the USA did not appreciate.
CU/as/APA