This has resulted, since 1979, in large over-all budget ceficits. The weightec averaee fiscal deficitiGDI' ratio for the [roup of countries surveyed (see the statistical anne7) rose from 4.9 per cent in 1979 to 6.4 per cent in 1980 and 9 per cent in 1981. ~his trend is equally apparent in the median values of ceficitiGDP ratios, which provide bette·r representation of the position of ~any relatively small countries. The mecian fiscal deficit, which was alrecy lar[er in 19t'0 than in 1979 (6.4 per cent of GDP versus 7.9 per cent), rose to 9 per cent in 1981. While deficit ratios gre'tr throu[hout Africa, the levels differec substantially among individual countries. The largest deficitiGDP ratios .in 1981 were recordec in the Co~oros (31.3 per cent), Uganca (20.2 per cent), Zambia (16.3 per cent) anc Mauritius (15.6 per cent). In a few countries- Burunci, Rwanda and the Upper Volta- the fiscal deficit remained fairly stable at about 2 per cent of GDP, reflecting their generally more cautious fiscal policies. 10. In spite of the restrictions attaching to forei£r aic at the flobal level, the African countries surveyed (see the statistical annex) continued to rely on foreign aiel to finance their bucget ceficits. In fact, the weighted average ratic of foreign financ­ ing to total expenditure rose from 8.7 per cent in 1979 to 9.1 and 12.4 per cent in 1980 and 1981 respe·ctively. This trend was more marked in the median value of the ratio, which almost doubled from 8.7 per cent in 1980 to 16.5 per cent in 1981. 61 The lon[-terr:t external debt contracted or guaranteed by African. Governments in 1981 grew by abcut 11 per cent to $45 billion, followine a similar increase in 1979. Althcufh sc~e countrie" relied heavily on borrowing from monetary authorities to fina;'cc 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the fiscal policies and financial trends of African countries, specifically their budget deficits, foreign financing, and external debt. It does not seem to focus on any specific sector such as agriculture, industry, or education, but rather on the overall economic situation of the countries.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade