The government of Burkina Faso has officially banned the importation of second-hand clothing from the United States, citing health, economic, and sovereignty concerns.
Authorities in Ouagadougou stated that the measure is aimed at protecting the local textile industry, preserving national dignity, and promoting self-reliance in clothing production. The ban aligns with a broader regional push by West African nations to reduce dependence on foreign-used goods that are often perceived as undermining local industries.
The new policy takes immediate effect, and customs officials have been instructed to enforce the directive at all entry points.
This move places Burkina Faso alongside a growing number of African countries rethinking their reliance on Western second-hand markets, especially in light of rising conversations about economic independence and post-colonial reform.
