(a) Highlight five characteristics of manufacturing industries in Tropical African countries. (b) Outline five problems of manufacturing industries in your ...

Answer Details

(a) Characteristics of manufacturing industries in Tropical African countries:

1. Dominance of light/consumer industries: Most factories produce simple consumer goods (food, drinks, textiles, soap) rather than heavy machinery.
2. Processing of primary/agricultural raw materials: Industries mainly process local agricultural and mineral products (oil-milling, cotton ginning, cocoa processing).
3. Concentration in a few urban centres and ports: Industries cluster in large towns and coastal cities where power, labour and markets exist.
4. Small scale and low output: Firms are generally small, with limited capital and low productivity.
5. Heavy reliance on imported capital, technology and skilled labour: Machinery, spare parts, and often expertise are imported from abroad.

(b) Problems of manufacturing industries (in Nigeria):

1. Inadequate/unreliable power supply: Frequent electricity failures raise costs and disrupt production.
2. Shortage of capital: Insufficient finance limits expansion and modernisation.
3. Poor infrastructure: Bad roads, poor water supply and weak transport hinder movement of goods and materials.
4. Inadequate skilled manpower: Shortage of trained technicians and managers lowers efficiency.
5. Competition from imports and small local market: Cheap imported goods and low purchasing power restrict sales.