Mitumba, Salaula and Kaunjika: Buying Used Clothing for East and Southern Africa
Across East and Southern Africa, used clothing has a local name in almost every country, and each name points to a lively market with its own favorite grades. This guide lists those names, the markets that use them, and how to bring bales in from Houston.
One trade, many names
| Country | Local name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kenya, Tanzania | Mitumba | Gikomba in Nairobi and Kariakoo in Dar es Salaam are well-known trading centers |
| Uganda | Mivumba and mitumba | Owino market in Kampala is a major hub |
| Rwanda | Caguwa | Used shoes sell alongside |
| Burundi | Vuyula | Routed through Dar es Salaam |
| Zambia | Salaula | A word that describes picking through a pile |
| Malawi | Kaunjika | Sold with used shoes in markets |
| Zimbabwe | Mabhero | Winter grades sell well |
| Mozambique | Calamidades | Beira, Nacala and Maputo ports |
What buyers in each market look for
- Kenya and Tanzania: sorted Grade A and bales with strong yield. Traders judge a supplier by what the bale gives back.
- Uganda: sorted clothing sold piece by piece, with mitumba shoes in capsacks alongside.
- Rwanda and Burundi: reliable routing and clear paperwork, with clothing and shoes packed separately.
- Zambia, Zimbabwe and Malawi: mixed grades, winter clothing in the cooler months, and shoes that sell next to clothing.
- Mozambique: clothing and shoes through Beira, Nacala and Maputo, and a route into Zimbabwe and Malawi.
Credential or sorted?
Many East and Southern African traders enjoy the hunt for premium pieces, so credential and mixed bales are popular, while stalls with steady customers prefer sorted Grade A they can display at once. We load both, and combined loads are available.
Mitumba shoes and salaula shoes
Used shoes sell well in every one of these markets. Sorted shoes come paired and banded in 50 lb bags or capsacks, credential shoes come as collected, and single shoes suit traders who match pairs locally.
Ports and routes
Buyers in East Africa commonly route through Mombasa or Dar es Salaam, and buyers in Southern Africa through Beira, Nacala, Dar es Salaam or Durban, depending on their destination and costs. Ask your forwarder to compare landed costs for your inland town, because the best port is not always the closest one.
From Houston to your market
- Tell us your country, product and volume.
- Receive a written quotation, including estimated freight to your port.
- See photographs and video of the actual goods, or visit our Houston warehouse.
- Pay 50% to start processing and the balance at loading.
- Receive your commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading.
Check import rules before you ship
Some countries in the region update their rules on used clothing from time to time. A quick conversation with your clearing agent before you order keeps your first container smooth.
Frequently asked questions
What does mitumba mean?
Mitumba is the East African word for secondhand clothing, used in Kenya and Tanzania, and also in Uganda alongside mivumba.
What is salaula?
Salaula is the Zambian word for secondhand clothing.
Do you ship mitumba shoes?
Yes. Used shoes, credential shoes, sorted shoes and single shoes are all available, packed in capsacks or 50 lb bags.
Which port should I use?
Common routes are Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, Beira and Nacala. We quote freight to the port you choose.
Ready to order mitumba bales? Message us on WhatsApp or request a quote.
Talk to Toro Textile Recycling
Tell us your country, product and volume, and you will have a written quotation within one business day.