Which of the following are characteristics of manufacturing induitries in Tropical Africa? I. Export-oriented…

Analyze the question: You are asked which statements describe manufacturing industries in Tropical Africa.

Concept: Manufacturing in Tropical Africa is still developing. Most factories are small or medium in size, and many were set up under import-substitution policies. They mainly produce goods for the local population instead of for export.

Checking each statement:

• I. Export-oriented: Not typical. Tropical Africa mostly exports raw materials such as cocoa, crude oil and minerals, and imports finished goods. Most factories supply the domestic market. Not a characteristic.
• II. Labour intensive: True. Capital and technology are limited, while labour is plentiful and cheap, so many industries rely on human labour more than machines. Characteristic.
• III. Consumer-oriented: True. Most industries make consumer goods such as food and beverages, textiles, soap, cement and household items for local use. Characteristic.
• IV. Diversified production: Not typical. The industrial base is narrow, with a small range of products concentrated in light consumer goods and agro-processing. Not a characteristic.

Conclusion: Only II and III are correct, which is option B.

Exam tip: Remember "Tropical Africa = raw materials out, finished goods in." That means manufacturing is not export-oriented and not diversified. It is labour intensive and consumer-oriented. When a question asks about developing regions, be suspicious of words like "export-oriented," "diversified," and "highly mechanized."