Cameroon imported a significant amount of second-hand clothing in 2025, reaching 73,008 tons with a value of 42.5 billion FCFA. These figures, revealed by the National Institute of Statistics (INS) in its 2025 report on foreign trade, show an increase of 2.6 billion FCFA compared to the previous year, when imports amounted to 39.8 billion FCFA for 72,600 tons.
This increase in second-hand clothing imports contrasts with the decline of the Cotonnière Industrielle du Cameroun (Cicam), formerly a pillar of the local textile industry. Cicam, which once controlled up to 80% of the market, now holds only about 5% of market share. This situation is due, according to officials, to the rise of the second-hand clothing market, but also to the influx of cheap textiles and clothing from China and West Africa, often imported illegally.
Cicam has faced financial difficulties for two decades, with debt estimated at over 22 billion FCFA. A study by the Enterprises Upgrading Office (BMN) proposed a restructuring plan requiring 48.2 billion FCFA if the State financed the operation. Paradoxically, this amount is almost equivalent to the value of second-hand clothing imports in 2025. Partial privatization would reduce the cost of restructuring to 30.7 billion FCFA.
The Cameroonian government is considering an investment of 70.2 billion FCFA to revive Cicam, with the objective of increasing its cotton processing capacity sixfold by 2030. This initiative is part of the National Development Strategy 2020-2030 (SND30), which aims to structurally transform the Cameroonian economy. The goal is to locally process 50% of the cotton produced from 2030.
To achieve this goal, the government plans to develop a clothing manufacturing industry, particularly for uniforms for law enforcement and sportswear, using at least 60% Cameroonian cotton. The revival of Cicam is considered strategic to reduce the country's dependence on textile imports and revive a declining national industry. However, for several years, the company has been importing all of the loincloths for International Women's Day (IWD), forcing it to share its revenues with the supplier.
Cicam's financial situation remains precarious, with ongoing negotiations regarding a potential redistribution of capital. The government, which currently holds 25% of the shares through the Ministry of Finance, could increase its stake to 85% by converting a loan into shares. Discussions are also underway with the Indian group Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (Arise IIP) for its entry into Cicam's capital. The revival of Cicam would reduce the country's dependence on textile imports.
The rise in second-hand clothing imports in Cameroon highlights the challenges facing the local textile industry, particularly Cicam. The planned government investment and ongoing restructuring efforts demonstrate a desire to revitalize this sector and reduce dependence on imports. Achieving these goals will require concerted efforts to modernize Cicam's production facilities and combat the smuggling of cheap textiles.
