East African countries are struggling to curb imports of used clothing, known as "mitumba," despite efforts to bolster local fashion industries.

• Kenya, East Africa's leading importer, received nearly 180,000 tonnes of used clothing in 2022, a 76% increase since 2013.
• The East African Community (EAC) bloc is facing challenges due to competition from cheap, imported second-hand garments, as stated by local fashion designers like Zia Bett.
• Uganda recently introduced an additional 30% tax on used clothing imports to promote domestic production and address environmental concerns, a move met with resistance from traders.