A new study reveals that the second-hand clothing sector in Mozambique is far more than a trade in used garments—it is a vital lifeline for the country’s economy and a survival alternative for its people. Commissioned by ADPP Mozambique and conducted by Consulting For Africa and Abalon Capital Limitada, the report highlights the sector’s crucial role in employment, public finance, and poverty alleviation.
According to the study, the industry provides formal and informal employment for over 200,000 people and supports the livelihoods of around one million Mozambicans. With earnings of around $650 per month for well-established sellers, the sector significantly outpaces the country’s minimum wage of $90, offering a stable income to thousands.
The report also notes that second-hand clothing meets the basic clothing needs of at least 80% of the population, and contributes approximately $35 million annually in import taxes, making it a notable contributor to public revenue. It also plays a foundational role in Mozambique’s informal urban economy, with women and youth dominating the market stalls across the country’s cities.
Over the past five years, Mozambique has imported around 36,750 tonnes of second-hand clothing annually, with demand increasing by 3.5% last year. The study calculates that each tonne supports about 7.8 jobs, both directly and indirectly, highlighting the broader economic ripple effect of the trade.
Mozambique ranks 183rd out of 191 countries on the UN Human Development Index, with around 25% unemployment, making the sector’s impact especially critical. “Any negative disruption could have devastating consequences for a population already struggling with widespread poverty,” the study warns.
While there are growing calls across Africa to revive local textile industries, the report cautions against viewing second-hand imports and local manufacturing as opposing forces. “Without substantial investment in production and competitiveness, replacing second-hand imports remains unlikely,” the authors argue.
Brian Mangwiro of Abalon Capital, a co-author of the report, suggests that strategic regional collaboration and dual-track strategies are the way forward: “Second-hand clothing will remain the primary source of affordable apparel in Mozambique for the foreseeable future. African nations should focus on pragmatic solutions, leveraging their strengths rather than eliminating imports.”
ADPP Mozambique, which commissioned the study, has been active since 1982, implementing over 50 development projects annually across the country in areas such as education, health, agriculture, and sustainability, benefiting more than 8.2 million people.
