The cost of clothing is a significant burden for many low-income households in Africa, and a new report from Business Insider Africa has identified the top 10 countries where clothing is least affordable. According to data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), South Sudan tops the list, with a clothing and footwear Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 7,538.88.

The CPI is a key economic gauge that tracks changes in the cost of goods and services over time, including clothing. In many African countries, a large proportion of the population lives on low wages, making them disproportionately affected by CPI spikes. A high CPI for clothes and footwear implies that these critical products become more costly, putting further financial hardship on families that already struggle to meet basic requirements.

The high expense of clothing and footwear can deepen the economic divide, as wealthier people can afford fine clothing, while lower-income individuals must rely on secondhand or low-quality alternatives. When the CPI for clothes and footwear increases, it presents a great risk to an economy's overall inflation, making it more difficult for economies to stabilize. Furthermore, as manufacturing costs rise, firms may opt to cut their staff, resulting in job losses and slower economic development.

Small and medium-sized firms (SMEs), which are the backbone of Africa's textile and footwear industries, are especially sensitive to severe economic shocks. The disparity in income across classes might be exacerbated by the high expense of apparel and shoes. While lower-income groups are compelled to rely on second-hand or subpar alternatives, wealthier folks may purchase high-quality clothing.

The top 10 African countries where clothing is least affordable, according to the IMF, are: South Sudan (7,538.88), Sierra Leone (31.67), Angola (30.18), Somalia (25.26), Egypt (21.14), Nigeria (16.81), Malawi (15.90), Chad (11.64), The Gambia (10.61), and Tunisia (9.81).

The impact of high clothing inflation is particularly concerning for African nations with thriving textile and footwear industries, such as Nigeria, South Africa, and Ethiopia. These countries may face issues if the CPI in this sector climbs dramatically, leading to higher retail prices, weakened local firms, and job losses.

In conclusion, the high cost of clothing in these African countries can have far-reaching consequences for low-income households and the economy as a whole. As the CPI continues to rise, it is essential for policymakers to address the root causes of inflation and implement measures to mitigate its impact on vulnerable populations.