What the features of colonial economy in East Africa?

1. Export orientation: The colonial economy was primarily geared towards the production of cash crops such as coffee, tea and cotton for export to European markets. This led to a neglect of food crops and other domestic industries, making the colonies dependent on imported goods.

2. Foreign control: The colonial economy was dominated by European settler colonies and foreign companies. These entities controlled large plantations, mines and other industries, while indigenous African were largely relegated to subsistence agriculture or low-wage labour.

3. Exploitation of natural resources: The colonial powers exploited the natural resources of East Africa, such as minerals, timber, and wildlife, for their own benefit. This led to environmental degradation and the depletion of natural resources.

4. Migrant labor system: The colonial economy relied on a system of migrant labor, in which African workers were recruited from rural areas to work on European plantations, mines and other enterprises. This system often involved forced labor, poor working conditions, and low wages.

5. Underdevelopment of infrastructure: The colonial powers did not invest significantly in developing the infrastructure of East African colonies. This resulted in poor roads, railways, schools, and hospitals, which hampered economic development.

6. Dual economies: The colonial economy created two distinct economic sectors, the modern sector and the traditional or subsistence sector. The modern sector was dominated by European settlers and foreign companies, while the subsistence sector was characterized by small-scale agriculture and local trade.

7. Colonial policies: Colonial policies and regulations often discriminated against indigenous African and favored European settler colonies. This included restrictions on land ownership, access to credit and education, as well as limitations on political and economic participation.