parts and imported inputs. In such circumstances, the rate of qrc:Mth of GOP miqht ra nqe bet\·leen a neqa tive fioure and about 1.1 per cent in 1983, while GOP per head at 1980 prices would be no more than$ 700, 18 per cent less than in 1980. 5 E/ECPICH.S/5 12. As far as the current African bala nee of payr;,ents is con­ cernEi, a worsening of the situation is likely in 1983. The trade deficit, \Jhich was estimated at up to $16.3 billion (at 1980 prices) in 1982, will rise to$18.3 billion in 1983, under our Jptimistic scenario. Needless to say it will be much worse if t ne stagnation in the world economy cor,tinues: under our secot :1 scenario the balance-of-payments situation could seriously deteriorate, precipitating further cut-backs in development ex­ penditure and imports -as has already happened in Nigeria, for examrle, during the current year. The ability of African Governments to pay even salaries and wages would be further en­ dang~ red, and a retrenchment of public services would be very probc..ble, with the victims joining the already larce numbers of u nemJ 1 oyed . C. Highlights of ECA activities in revitalizing African econor:nes 13. There can be nc doubt that African countrief are passing thrcugh a very difficult period, and face a not-tco-briqht im­ mediate future. ECA is concentratinq its efforts in t\<JO areas in order to help overcome the crisis and arrest the dcmnward treu:l. As far as internal policies are concerned, ECA is more thar1 ever pushinq for the implementation of the objectives and proc;rammes set out in the Laqos Plan of Action, the relevance of which has become clearer and more compellinq. 14. There is an urgent need to reformulate development policies in African countries in order to give priority to the 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the economic situation in Africa, specifically the challenges faced by African countries in terms of trade deficits, development expenditure, and balance of payments. It also mentions the need for reformulation of development policies and the implementation of the Lagos Plan of Action. The language used is technical and focused on macroeconomic issues, suggesting that the text is primarily concerned with economic development.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade