In 2021, the United States was the largest exporter of secondhand clothing, according to United Nations data, with Africa being one of the primary destinations for these goods. However, Africa now finds itself at the epicenter of a growing textile waste crisis.

Every year, millions of tons of discarded clothing and textiles flood the continent, much of it being of such poor quality that it can’t be resold or repurposed. Instead, these garments are often dumped in landfills or abandoned in open spaces, where they pose serious environmental and health risks. The non-biodegradable fabrics release harmful chemicals and microplastics into the soil and water, contributing to pollution and endangering the health of local communities. This unchecked waste also exacerbates the climate crisis by increasing greenhouse gas emissions from decomposing textiles and fueling the global environmental burden.