Theory question 103
Manufacturing Industry(a) Describe any five characteristics of manufacturing industries in Tropical Africa. (b) Highlight five problems facing manufacturing industries in Tropical Africa.
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(a) Mostly light consumer-goods industries (food, drinks, textiles); few heavy industries; small scale; concentrated in large towns and ports; labour intensive; many depend on imported raw materials, machinery and skilled staff; much foreign ownership; products mainly for local market; many process agricultural raw materials.
(b) Shortage of capital; poor power supply; poor transport; shortage of skilled labour; small market and low incomes; competition from imports; political instability; shortage of raw materials and spare parts; poor management and corruption.
Characteristics describe what industries are like; problems explain what holds them back.