Economies of Africa

Western and Central Africa Most African countries have a history of traditional economies-economies based on age old trading customs, beliefs, rituals and habits. Most African countries have a history of traditional economies-economies based on age old trading customs, beliefs, rituals and habits. Colonial governments introduced market economies in which goods were bought and sold Colonial governments introduced market economies in which goods were bought and sold After countries gained independence, many became government controlled command economies. After countries gained independence, many became government controlled command economies. Many of the countries today with democracies practice a market economy. Many of the countries today with democracies practice a market economy.

Farming Most people in Western and Central Africa are farmers Most people in Western and Central Africa are farmers Many practice subsistence farming- growing food to feed their own household Many practice subsistence farming- growing food to feed their own household During colonialism large plantations were started to produce tropical crops such as sugar cane, coffee, and cacao for export or sale. These are known as cash crops. During colonialism large plantations were started to produce tropical crops such as sugar cane, coffee, and cacao for export or sale. These are known as cash crops.

Farming

Other West African Exports Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)-world’s largest producer and exporter of cacao beans Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast)-world’s largest producer and exporter of cacao beans Coastal West African countries- coffee, bananas, pineapples, palm oil, peanuts and kola nuts Coastal West African countries- coffee, bananas, pineapples, palm oil, peanuts and kola nuts Central African countries- coffee, rubber, and cotton. Central African countries- coffee, rubber, and cotton.

Mineral Resources Almost every type of mineral in the world can be found in Africa Almost every type of mineral in the world can be found in Africa Central and Western Africa-diamonds, gold, petroleum, manganese and uranium. Central and Western Africa-diamonds, gold, petroleum, manganese and uranium. Mining is a large industry in Africa Mining is a large industry in Africa Nigeria-Rich deposits of oil and natural gas with oil being the main export (90% of government’s income). Nigeria-Rich deposits of oil and natural gas with oil being the main export (90% of government’s income).

Effects of Natural Resources Exports have resulted in revenue (earnings) to build roads and schools Exports have resulted in revenue (earnings) to build roads and schools However, resources have also been used to fund conflicts illegally. However, resources have also been used to fund conflicts illegally. In Angola, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, diamonds were smuggled out to buy weapons for rebel forces during civil wars. In Angola, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, diamonds were smuggled out to buy weapons for rebel forces during civil wars.

Eastern and Southern Africa Primary industry is Agriculture in Primary industry is Agriculture in spite of drought

Surrounding Lake Victoria crops such as bananas, strawberries, sweet potatoes and yams are grown. Surrounding Lake Victoria crops such as bananas, strawberries, sweet potatoes and yams are grown. Lake Victoria is home to a large fishing industry bringing jobs to this area and an export Lake Victoria is home to a large fishing industry bringing jobs to this area and an export Lake Victoria and surrounding area has been spared from drought which has resulted in this area being one of the most populated areas in Africa. Lake Victoria and surrounding area has been spared from drought which has resulted in this area being one of the most populated areas in Africa.

Lake Victoria

Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda-Cash crops such as coffee, beans and cotton

Southern Africa Zimbabwe and South Africa are rich in minerals and provide many jobs in mining (South Africa is rich not only in minerals, but also in diamonds & gold) Zimbabwe and South Africa are rich in minerals and provide many jobs in mining (South Africa is rich not only in minerals, but also in diamonds & gold) Manufacturing is also a large industry in these areas Manufacturing is also a large industry in these areas South Africa has the largest economy in the region South Africa has the largest economy in the region Southern African countries improve economies by working together to improve transportation and communication among each other through linked railways and trade routes. Southern African countries improve economies by working together to improve transportation and communication among each other through linked railways and trade routes.

Mining for Gold