(a) State four reasons for the concentration of manufacturing industries in the capital cities of Tropical African countries (b) Give three reasons for the ...

(a) Four reasons for the concentration of manufacturing industries in the capital cities of Tropical African countries

• Large market - capital cities have dense populations, giving industries a ready market for their products.
• Good infrastructure - they have better roads, rail, ports, water and electricity supply than other areas, which industries need.
• Availability of labour - both skilled and unskilled workers gather in the capital in search of jobs.
• Presence of capital and financial institutions - banks, government offices and investors are concentrated there, making it easy to raise funds.
• Nearness to government - being the seat of government they enjoy favourable policies, contracts and administrative attention.

(b) Three reasons for the predominance of consumer-oriented industries in Tropical Africa

• The economies are still developing and lack the heavy capital and technology needed for capital-goods industries, so light consumer industries are cheaper to establish.
• There is a large and growing population demanding everyday goods such as food, drinks, soap, textiles and footwear.
• Consumer industries use mostly local agricultural raw materials that are readily available.
• They require less skilled labour and yield quick returns on investment.

(c) Three contributions of manufacturing industries to economic development

• They create employment and raise the incomes and living standards of the people.
• They add value to local raw materials and reduce dependence on imported goods, saving foreign exchange.
• They diversify the economy away from over-reliance on agriculture and mineral exports.
• They generate revenue for government through taxes and stimulate the growth of towns and other supporting services.