Theory question 103
Manufacturing Industry(a) State four reasons for the concentration of manufacturing industries in the capital cities of Tropical African countries (b) Give three reasons for the predominance of consumer oriented industries in Tropical Africa (c) Describe three contributions of manufacturing industries to the economic development of Tropical African countries.
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(a) Large market (big population, high incomes); good infrastructure (electricity, water, roads, ports, airports); availability of labour; banks and finance; government offices and incentives; many capitals are ports, convenient for importing raw materials and machinery; existing industries attract others.
(b) Large local demand for everyday goods; need less capital and simple technology; raw materials available locally (agricultural products); quick returns on investment; import substitution policies; lack of skills and capital for heavy industry.
(c) Provide employment; earn or save foreign exchange; add value to raw materials; government revenue from taxes; growth of towns and infrastructure; encourage agriculture by buying raw materials; technical skills; reduce dependence on imports; raise standards of living.
Explain each point briefly.