tions, a number of others closed down. The causes were lower demand for experts because of the world recession, and also protectionist measures in the United States, where a quota was imposed on irr.ports of knitwear. Nevertheless, despite greater competition from similar zones elsewhere, rrcduction picked up by 8 per cent in 1981 after stagnating in 1980, though with no increase in the level of employment. · 114. In addition to the impact of protectionism in such countries as Mauritania and Tunisia, African exports are held back by the fact that they are not competitive with exports from A sian and Latin A me ri can countries. The hi eh cost of labour relative to productivity makes. it very difficult for African countries to compete even for roods ¥rith a hic.h labour content, where they should have a comparative aovantage. (.£) Employment 115. Current data on manufacturinf employl!lent are rare, thoue..h it is known to account for a very small share of total wage employment. In Alperia in 1980, for example, the 8hare vras only 11.8 per cent. With the global slump affectinf ~anufacturing, 65 E/ECA /CM. 9/5 employment cannot have increased sienificantly at the reeional level, and in fact there are data which shew a decline in this type of employment in some countries, such as the Ivory Ccast. In Tunisia, which has a relatively developed manufacturing sec­ tor, manu:acturing employment in 1982 accounted for some 37.5 per cent of total wage employment; and has increased steadily since 1975, with strong encouraeement from the Governement. However, this has not entailed productivity losses; averafe output per employee in fact increased by 60.2 per cent in 1979-1982, while prices increased by less than 50 per cent over the same period. 116. In Egypt growth in employment in manufacturing has been very 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the manufacturing sector in various African countries, highlighting the challenges they face in terms of competition, employment, and productivity. It also touches on the impact of protectionist measures and global economic trends on African exports. The language used is technical and economic, suggesting that the text is focused on the economic development and trade aspects of the manufacturing sector.

**Category**
Industry, Employment