protectionism which threatens to further depress world trade and increase the difficulties of all countries, whatever their staqe of deve 1 opme nt. Note: 1/ New forecasts published in December 1982 indicate an even iower rate of 1.5 per cent qrowth for the OECD in 1983. 17 E/ECA/CM.9/5 III. OVER-ALL ECONOMIC PERFOR~~NCE IN THE AFRICAN REGION A. Over-all growth 1. Recessionary conditions, noticeable since early 1980 in the African region, intensified further durinq 1981. Growth calcu­ lated at constant 1970 factor cost declined continuously from 4.0 per cent in 1979, to 3.4 per cent in 1980 reaching a mere 0.5 per cent in 1981 -marking the first ever recordetl fall in regional per capita income. 1/ Calculated on the basis of 1980 prices regional qrowth would in fact be a negative of 4 per cent in 1981. In that year, 23 countries, 2/ almost the same group as in 1980, either recorded negative- GDP or per capita income gro.vth. Although another 18 countries, including those with his­torical high performance like· Botswana, Malawi, Seychelles, Swaziland, Tunisia and the United Republic of Cameroon to name a few, have maintained their remarkable 1980 record, the serious deterioration in the general economic conditions in the former group more than offset the favourable developments in the latter. 2. Estimates for 1982 at 1980 prices indicate a further deterioration. GDP growth at market prices is estimated to have remained negative at -0.3 per cent with the number of countries actually losing ground increasing. 3/ 3. The major oil exporters were the more seriously affected by the recession in the industrialized countries causing a sharp reduction in demand for and prices of petroleum. As a result the ccmbi ned GDP of this group recorded a negative growth rate of 4.1 
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the economic performance of the African region, specifically the decline in growth rates, recessionary conditions, and the impact of protectionism on world trade. It also mentions the effects of the recession on certain countries and the oil industry. Based on this content, it is likely that the text falls under the categories related to economics and international trade.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade