Factors that limit industrial development in Tropical Africa are:
(i) Inadequate Capital: Most of the entrepreneur are poor with low levels of savings. Banks are not wiling to give out loans because they do not have collateral security
(ii) Inadequate skilled manpower: Majority of work force are unskilled because of their low level of education and training So skilled labour is scarce
(iii) Small Market: Most industries in Africa have small market because of the small size of population and low purchasing power
(iv) Inadequate Infrastructure: Good roads, electricity, medical facilities are scarce hence low industrial development
(v) Shortage of Raw Materials: Raw materials are not locally available hence the industries have to depend on imported raw materials
(vi) Unfavourable industrial and administrative policies: Government at times makes some policies which are detrimental to the growth of some industries, e.g ban on the importation of wheat almost grounded all the flour mill plants in the country.