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

(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.