{"id":44322,"date":"2025-03-31T23:24:36","date_gmt":"2025-03-31T23:24:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/?p=44322"},"modified":"2025-03-31T23:24:36","modified_gmt":"2025-03-31T23:24:36","slug":"global-fashion-waste-crisis-africa-calls-for-an-end-to-waste-colonialism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sotnews.agency\/?p=44322","title":{"rendered":"Global fashion waste crisis: Africa calls for an end to \u2018waste colonialism\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n \t<\/i> Read Time:<\/span>3 Minute, 29 Second <\/div>\n\n <\/div>
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As the world marks the International Day of Zero Waste 2025, environmental advocacy groups Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) Africa and the Green Africa Youth Organisation (GAYO) are calling for urgent action against the unchecked dumping of textile waste in Africa. With the theme \u201cTowards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textiles,\u201d this year\u2019s observance highlights the devastating impact of fast fashion on the environment, particularly in the Global South.<\/p>\n

The global fashion industry produces an estimated 92 million tonnes of textile waste annually. A significant portion of this waste finds its way into African markets under the guise of second-hand clothing donations. Ghana\u2019s Kantamanto Market alone receives approximately 15 million items of used clothing every week\u2014mostly from the Global North. Unfortunately, much of this imported clothing is unsellable due to poor quality, leading to widespread dumping in landfills and illegal waste sites.<\/p>\n

Jacob Johnson Attakpah, GAYO\u2019s Project Manager for the Zero Waste Cities Program, warns that the continent is being overwhelmed by textile waste:<\/p>\n

\u201cAfrica refuses to be at the receiving end of textile waste, especially from the West. The fashion industry must embrace circular design, responsible sourcing, and innovative recycling to move towards true zero waste.\u201d<\/p>\n

The consequences of this textile waste crisis extend beyond environmental degradation. In cities like Accra, discarded clothing clogs drainage systems, exacerbates flooding, and pollutes coastal areas. Waves that once carried seashells to Ghana\u2019s shores now dredge up heaps of abandoned garments. The infamous Agbogbloshie Market has become a dumping ground where mountains of unsellable clothing accumulate, worsening pollution levels.<\/p>\n

In addition to environmental concerns, the influx of second-hand clothing undermines Africa\u2019s local textile industry. The constant supply of cheap, low-quality imports reduces demand for locally produced fabrics, forcing many artisans and manufacturers out of business.<\/p>\n

The trade of second-hand textiles is dominated by developed nations. According to trade data, the top exporters of used clothing in 2023 included:<\/p>\n