If you’re looking for a business that has a proven, consistent market — importing and selling second hand shoes in Africa is one of the smartest moves you can make right now.
Across sub-Saharan Africa, the demand for affordable, quality used footwear has never been higher. Markets in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, and beyond are overflowing with buyers who want good shoes at prices they can actually afford. And the entrepreneurs supplying those shoes? Many of them have built multi-million dollar businesses from a single container.
This guide will show you exactly how to build one of your own.
Why the Second Hand Shoes Market in Africa Is Booming
Before we talk about how to start, let’s understand why this business works.
Africa has a population of over 1.4 billion people, and footwear is a basic need — not a luxury. But new shoes, especially branded ones, are out of reach for most everyday consumers. This gap is filled almost entirely by the second hand shoe trade.
In Kenya alone, second hand clothing and shoe imports exceeded hundreds of millions of dollars in recent years, supporting thousands of small business owners. Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, Zambia, and Mozambique all have similarly strong markets. And across every major city — from Nairobi to Kampala to Accra — you’ll find bustling “mitumba” or “okrika” markets packed with traders who rely on imported used shoe bales.
This is a market that has survived economic shifts, policy changes, and competition from cheap new goods. Why? Because it offers something neither new budget shoes nor unaffordable branded shoes can: genuine value.
What You Need to Start
Here’s the good news — you don’t need to start big. Many successful importers began with a single half-container (20 feet) or even just a few bales shipped by air freight to test the market.
Basic startup checklist:
- A registered business entity (required for importing in most African countries)
- A reliable supplier (more on this below)
- Capital for goods + shipping + customs duties
- A plan for where and how you’ll sell (market stall, retail shop, wholesale, online)
- A freight forwarder familiar with your destination country
Step 1: Research Your Local Market
Before you order a single bale, spend a week visiting the major second hand markets in your city. Look at:
- What types of shoes sell fastest (sneakers? formal shoes? sandals?)
- What prices traders are currently charging
- What quality levels customers prefer
- Who the existing wholesalers are and what they’re offering
This research will guide every sourcing decision you make. Don’t skip it.
Step 2: Choose Your Niche
The second hand shoe market has many sub-segments. Picking one to focus on — at least at the start — makes you more competitive and easier to market.
Popular niches include:
- **Sports and sneakers** — fastest-moving, especially Nike, Adidas, Puma, New Balance
- **Children’s shoes** — consistent demand from families and schools
- **Women’s heels and flats** — high volume in fashion-conscious urban markets
- **Men’s formal leather shoes** — popular in East and Southern African cities
- **Mixed bales** — great for new importers testing the market
Step 3: Find a Factory-Direct Supplier
Your supplier is the foundation of your business. A good supplier means consistent quality, fair pricing, and reliable shipment timelines. A bad one means disputes, refunds, and unhappy customers.
Key things to look for:
- Factory-direct (not a middleman reseller)
- Clear grading standards with photos or video proof
- Experience exporting to Africa
- ISO certification or equivalent quality management system
- References from existing African buyers
China is currently the top source for used shoes globally. Working directly with a Chinese factory gives you access to large volumes, competitive prices, and better quality control than buying from local resellers.
Step 4: Place a Test Order First
Before you invest in a full 40-foot container, consider starting with a smaller order — 50 to 100 bales — to test the quality and your market’s response. This limits your risk and helps you refine your product selection before scaling up.
Once you’ve validated the quality and confirmed strong demand, you can confidently scale to full containers.
Step 5: Handle Customs and Compliance
Every African country has different import regulations for used goods. Some require fumigation certificates, health clearances, or specific labeling. Hire an experienced local customs agent to ensure your shipment clears smoothly without unexpected delays or fines.
Step 6: Build Your Sales Channels
You have more options than ever to sell used shoes in Africa:
- **Wholesale to market traders** — fastest way to move volume
- **Your own retail stall** at a local market
- **WhatsApp Business** — used heavily by traders across Africa for B2B and B2C
- **Jiji.ng / Jiji.co.ke / OLX Africa** — popular classifieds with strong reach
- **Instagram and Facebook** — highly effective for used sneakers and women’s shoes
The best operators combine wholesale and retail to maximize margins.
Take the First Step Today
The second hand shoes business in Africa is not a “future trend” — it is a thriving industry right now, and there’s plenty of room for new players. You don’t need to know everything before you start. You need a reliable supplier, a clear market, and the willingness to take your first step.
We’ve helped hundreds of buyers across Africa start and grow their businesses. Contact us today for a free wholesale catalog and pricing guide — and let’s build something profitable together.
