substantial differe nee in qrowth in favour of the least developed countries since 1973. The qrcup of the non-least-developed countries south of the Sahara had no increase at all in CDP in 1982, al thouqh the aqricul tural sector qrew by 1.1 per cent this qrowth 'viaS offset in the other sectors. External trade and domestic demand other than qovernment consumption declined. 31. In 1982 non-members of OPEC in North Africa qrew by 3. 7 per cent sliohtly lower than in 1981. The main source of growth was the aqricultural sector with an increase of 8.1 per cent after a decline cf 6.9 per cent in 1981, while value added actually drop­ ped in manufacturinq. Investments increased, however by 6.1 per cent sliohtly above its 1981 rate. Experts fell in relation with the lower demand in the traditional EEC markets and with imports continuinq to qrow, the trade qap \.•hich represented 9.8 per cent of GDP in 1981 rose to 14.3 per cent in 1982. 32. The currer:t account deficit cf the balance cf payments of developinq Africa is estimated to be at$ 26.4 billion in 1982. This deficit was a result of fall inq trade volumes and prices and deteriora tinq terms of trade. The purchasinq po.·1er cf the reqion 's · exports fell by more than 10 per cent. Fer details see chapter VI. 33. The total estimated debt of the reoi.cn at the end of 1982 was about $108 billion, while the estimated debt service amounted to 22 per cent of the exports of qoods and services. E. Outlook 34. The ECA secretariat's projections for the eccncmies of the African countries in 1983 are based en the assumption that a moderate recovery cf economic activity in the OECD countries will beqin in the first quarter of the year. This implies that demand 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the economic situation of African countries, specifically the growth rates, trade, and debt of various countries. It also mentions the agricultural sector and the impact of external factors such as changes in trade volumes and prices. The text does not mention any specific environmental, health, education, employment, or humanitarian issues, and it does not have any direct relation to natural resources, culture, or science and technology.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade