The second-hand clothing sector in Mozambique provides over 200,000 jobs and supports one million people, emphasizing its role as a vital economic component. An average monthly income of $650 for established sellers contrasts sharply with the minimum wage, substantiating the sector’s importance in meeting basic clothing needs. The report calls for collaborations between local textile industries and the second-hand market to enhance economic resilience.
A recent study highlights the significance of the second-hand clothing sector in Mozambique, revealing that it provides over 200,000 jobs and supports roughly one million individuals. Conducted by Consulting For Africa and Abalon Capital Limitada, and commissioned by ADPP Mozambique, the report underscores the critical role this industry plays in the economy and daily lives of people in Mozambique, describing it as a “catalyst for economic growth.”
The research indicates that established sellers in this sector gain an average monthly income of $650, contrasting sharply with the national minimum wage of $90. The second-hand clothing trade not only caters to the basic apparel needs of approximately 80% of the populace but also generates $35 million in annual import taxes. Concentrated mainly in urban markets, the sellers are predominantly women and young people.
The study estimates that Mozambique annually imports about 36,750 tonnes of second-hand clothing, with demand rising by 3.5% last year. Analyzing this, researchers note that every tonne of imports creates approximately 7.8 direct and indirect jobs. The accessible nature of these garments is crucial for the impoverished population, which is reflected in the country’s ranking of 183rd out of 191 on the United Nations Human Development Index and an unemployment rate of around 25%.
The report cautions against potential negative impacts on this sector due to disruptions, particularly given the prevailing poverty in Mozambique. It acknowledges that revitalizing the local textile sector is complex and necessitates significant investments to compete with countries like China and India.
Furthermore, the report advocates for a dual approach, stressing that the second-hand clothing trade and local textile industries can coexist beneficially. Brian Mangwiro from Abalon Capital emphasizes that second-hand clothing will likely remain the primary source of affordable apparel in Mozambique for the foreseeable future, and he suggests that African nations should focus on strategic collaborations instead of simply targeting second-hand imports.
ADPP Mozambique, the organization behind this study, has been operating since 1982, focusing on various development areas, including education and sustainable agriculture, and currently employs around 3,300 individuals to implement over 50 projects that benefit approximately 8.2 million citizens annually.
The study underscores the essential role of second-hand clothing in Mozambique’s economy, providing substantial employment and basic clothing needs for the population. Despite challenges, the research advocates for a collaborative approach between the second-hand and textile sectors to foster mutual growth. With significant importation of second-hand garments and the existing economic landscape, strategic solutions are necessary to bolster local production without disregarding the value of the second-hand market.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
