Industrialization has long been acknowledged as a potent driver of economic progress across countries and region. In India, for instance, the rise of manufacturing in rural areas has lifted millions out of poverty, with industries in textile and automotive manufacturing driving development in traditionally underserved regions, for rapid economic growth. China, too, has in under 45 years, transformed from a struggling agrarian economy to an industrial powerhouse that produces nearly half of all industrial commodities in the world.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, industrialization has started to show its potential for rural development and countries like Kenya and neighbours Ethiopia and Rwanda are now prioritising investments in light manufacturing industries. Thika, in Kenya’s central region, is, for instance, betting on its potential for transformation into an industrial city for its economic rejuvenation. Such a shift from rural to industrialized societies has been shown by multiple studies to yield cascading benefits including job creation and the promotion of infrastructure development. Indeed, as industries emerge or expand, they require workers across different skill levels, ranging from factory laborers to skilled technicians, engineers, drivers and marketers. This need creates employment prospects for individuals who may otherwise have had limited opportunities for economic mobility. Notably, rural communities tend to rely on farming for their livelihood but in most cases agriculture is seasonal and susceptible to climate variability. Industrial jobs, by contrast, offer more stability and the potential for higher income, in addition to opportunities for acquiring new skill sets, and diversified career options. In the long term, these opportunities help reduce poverty and improve the living standards of communities, while creating resilient local economies that can better withstand external shocks, such as economic downturns and natural disasters.

Aside from job creation, industrialization also drives significant improvements in infrastructure, which is essential for the development of rural areas. As industries emerge in rural areas, the need for better infrastructure increases—particularly in areas like transportation, energy, water supply, communications and waste management. For example, the establishment of the Pwani Oil factory in Kilifi has spurred the emergence of new road networks to move raw materials in and finished goods out. This improved infrastructure, whilst critical for the success of the company, has improved the lives of the farming communities in Kikambala region, allowing them to easily transport their produce to markets. The Pwani Oil plant has also stimulated the expansion of energy infrastructure in the region, including the penetration of grid electricity that is now enhancing the overall quality of life.

Meanwhile, in addition to the advancement of physical infrastructure, the growth of the manufacturing sector often stimulates the development of social infrastructure, such as healthcare facilities and educational institutions. As industries attract more workers to particular regions, they create a demand for services that improve the well-being of communities, leading to the construction of schools, hospitals, and other social facilities that cater to the broader rural population.

There are numerous other examples of how industrialization can transform rural communities for sustainable and inclusive growth. However, it is also important to recognize that industrialization comes with unique challenges, including environmental concerns, labor rights issues, and the potential for inequality. As such, the growth of the manufacturing sector should be accompanied by sound governance, regulatory frameworks, and social policies that ensure that the benefits of industrialization are equitably distributed, while minimizing adverse effects on communities and their environment.

The writer is the Commercial Director, Pwani Oil Products Limited