mitumba

British  

/ mɪˈtʊmbə /

noun

1. 1. used clothes imported for sale in African countries from more developed western countries

   2. ( as modifier )

      the mitumba economy

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Etymology

Origin of mitumba

C20: Swahili, literally: bale

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

mitumba

The supply chain goes beyond retailers like Sekky and includes importers, wholesalers, tailors who mend damaged mitumba and those who sell food and drink at the markets.

From BBC ● May 23, 2026

But Teresia Wairimu Njenga, MCAK's chairperson, argues that mitumba sellers are in fact "the champions of preservation of our environment".

From BBC ● May 23, 2026

"Let's not kill mitumba - give the consumer power of choice."

From BBC ● May 23, 2026

In fact across the region mitumba traders and local clothing manufacturers say cheap clothing from China is the real danger as it encroaches on both their markets.

From BBC ● May 23, 2026

Tanzanians and Kenyans call used clothing mitumba, which means “bales,” as it comes off the cargo ships in the shrink-wrapped cubes like the ones I saw at Trans-Americas and Salvation Army.

From Slate ● Jun. 18, 2012