Agriculture is most important, whereas mining is not so important except for Nigeria s oil. Government management and political leadership remain concerns. Coptic Christians in Ethiopia and Muslims from Southwest Asia competed for influence in northern parts of this subregion. Southern areas had fewer migrations and conflicts. Manufacturing and service activities show little development.
Famines are likely to persist in Africa South of the Sahara.
Disruptions caused by events like drought or civil war to food production and distribution systems cause famines. Relief efforts are often severely hampered by poor transportation systems. Chronic hunger is a serious concern. Led by the Republic of South Africa, this subregion is the most economically developed. Mineral endowment is a major variable among these countries.