Sources of fish for human consumption. Fishing is a major occupation for people who live near lakes. For example those around lakes Tanganyika, Victoria and Malawi.

Provision of fish for export to foreign European countries to earn foreign currency.

Lakes are used for transport and communication. Steam and ferry services are operated on Lake Tanganyika and Victoria. Water transport is cheaper than any other form of transport.

Provision of territorial and international boundaries.

Sources of water for domestic, industrial use. Water serves as a raw material for some industries like those manufacturing soft drinks.

Affects the microclimate of the surrounding areas through sea and land breeze.

Sources of raw materials like soda ash, salt and building materials for example sand.

Some lakes attract tourists and local visitors. Craters, glacial and ox-bow lakes create an impressive scenery to attract tourists. They also provide good recreational grounds.

Lakes are sources of important rivers. For example Lake Tana in Ethiopia is a source of Blue Nile, Lake Victoria is a source of river Nile which is useful to Egypt.

Water from lakes may be used for irrigation of arable land. For Example water from Lake Chad has been used to irrigate 22,000 ha of land where cotton and rice are grown.

Promotes generation of hydroelectric power.