Technical potential in Africa: The industrialization of Africa

Africa, often referred to in the past as the slumbering giant, has been roused from its long sleep. This is a reality which has to be faced. The winds of change which have blown over the continent during the past two decades have not only brought an end to what has been termed the colonial era, but have indeed changed the face of Africa. There was an outcry for independence, and new states emerged almost overnight. Unfortunately newly won political independence in the majority of cases did not go hand in hand with economic and social freedom and stability. This is borne out by the fact that while Africa, with a total population of 391 million (1974 figure), constituting about 10 per cent of world population, has a share of only about 0,5 per cent in world production. South Africa, on the other hand, with only 6 per cent of Africa's population, is responsible for about 42 per cent of its industrial production.