The following are the Limitations to industrial development in East Africa :
Low market for domestic industrial goods due to competition with high quality and low priced goods from developed countries like Britain, Japan and U.S.A.
Inadequate capital for investment in establishing and managing industries.
Shortage of skilled labour force to work in industries like Technicians and Engineers.
Political instabilities especially in Uganda which led to closure of some industries e.g. Gulu foam for making mattresses.
Poor transport facilities which hinder quick transportation of raw materials and manufactured goods.
Irregular electricity supply to run industries due to frequent load shedding which brings activities to a standstill.
Unfavourable government policies which discourage industrial development e.g. heavy taxes imposed on industries.
East Africa lacks some raw materials for heavy industries which leads to dependence on importation e.g. iron ore and petroleum.
Most industries are owned by foreigners who dont re-invest their profits within East Africa leading to slow growth of industries.
Solutions to the above problems
The government should seek aid and grants from developing countries to widen the capital base for industrial development.
Investments should be made in research and exploration to get new sources of raw materials.
International advertisements should be done to widen the market for locally manufactured goods.
The government should improve transport facilities in the industrial areas to ensure high output e.g. upgrading roads from murram to tarmac.
Enforcing security to ensure political instability which attracts more foreign investors.
The government should encourage research to produce high-quality products that have market demand.
New courses should be introduced at different learning institutions to produce enough skilled labour force to work in industries.
Diversification of the economy to reduce dependence on manufacturing industries e.g. tourism.
The government should carry out extensive market research to get new markets for East Africa manufactured products.
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