(a) Reasons for the relatively low level of industrial development in tropical Africa are:
(i) Inadequate capital. Entrepreneurs in Africa do not have large capital to establish industries
(ii) Inadequate skilled manpower. There is serious shortage of skilled labour especially in management and technical staff
(iii) Small market The existence of small market (i.e consumers) prevents the growth of industries in Africa
(iv) Inadequate infrastructure -electricity, pipe borne water, telecommunication, roads, etc, are lacking hence a low growth of industries in Africa
(v) Shortage of raw-materials - Raw materials are not adequately available locally hence some depend on imported raw materials. This lowers industrial growth.
(b) Five contributions of industrial sector to the economic development of the region include:
(i) It leads to the diversification of economies
(ii) It has helped to conserve foreign exchange that would have been used in the importation of goods
(iii) Industrial sector provides employment to many people
(iv) It also raises the general standard of living of the people
(v) Industrial goods exported also generate foreign exchange to the country.