Change in colonial Industrial Policies

The Colonial Industrial Sector

The industrial sector was the smallest of all the sectors of the colonial economy. It should be noted that before the First World War, these were the only processing industries that aimed at reducing the weight of raw materials to keep the freight charges low. The examples of these industries were the cotton and coffee ginneries.

Import Substitution Industries

There were industries that were formed by the capitalist powers to produce goods that would replace the ones imported from Europe. The main goal of these industries was to produce consumer goods mainly for the white settlers and few Africans. These goods included soap, cigarettes, and toothpaste.

Features of Import Substitution Industries

1. Light industries. All the import substitution industries were light industries. They avoided the establishment of heavy manufacturing industries so as to ensure that they do not create competition with goods coming from Europe.

2. Production of consumer goods. The import substitute industries were based on the production of consumer goods such as biscuits, soap and cigarettes. These industries were producing goods for the bourgeoisie (capitalist) and a few African petty bourgeoisies. The industries were not producing goods for the African masses.

3. Labor intensive. The industries were using labor intensive technology. They used more labor than machines. The colonialists were reluctant to import advanced technology, because their goal was to exploit African resources.

4. Uneven distribution. The industries were unevenly distributed; they were mainly located in urban centers where most of the white settlers were found. The industries were producing goods for the white settlers.

5. Owned by foreigners. These industries aimed at exploiting African resources to the maximum so as to generate more profits for the capitalists.