tion of african economies, resultinr in a wiceninr of their taY base, but also the intrccucticL of new tayes anc a relative im­ provement in tax collection. However, this ratio has varied con­ siderably from one country to ancther, reflectinf cifferent cir­ cumstances and developments. Fer the Ccmcrcs, Medarascar, Mali and Sierra Leone the orCinary revenue/GDP ratic \vas below 15 per cent over the 1979-1981 period, whereas in Alferia, Botswana and Eeypt it has been above 35 per cent. 2/ (Fer f~rther cetails see the statistical annex.) - 3. The local contribution to bucpetary receirts has been rela­ tively stable; most of the changes in revenue rerfcrmance can be attributed to the erratic movements of foreign trade. In general, African economies have remained fairly cepencient on fcr­ eign trade for their J:ublic revenues. TaYes en international trace transacticns for the pericd 1979-1981 accounted for al out a third (median value) of their total current revenue, risinr tc as much as 50 per cent for small African econcmies such as thF Com­ orcs, Mauritius, Swaziland, and the Upper Vclta. (For further cetails see the statistical anneY.) A decline in revenue frclll ta.Yes en foreien trace resulted in a dror in the ratio of current revenue to GDP in BurunCi, Rv1anca, Sierrra Lecne, Swazilan c anc Zaire. In Nigeria, the shortfall in petroleum revenues afversely affectec all ·the taYes related tc this sectcr. In the Unitec Republic of Tanzania, the shortaee of foreirn exchanre con­ strained production in various economic sectors, anc revenue fro!!' sales and other taxes fell as a result. 95 E/ECA /Cf·1. 9/5 Table V .A .1 Evolution of major fiscal indicators {Percentage) Current revenue/GDP TaYes on international trace/current revenue c/ Total public expenciture/GDP Current eYpencitures/GDP Expenditure on apriculture /current expenditure c/ Expenditure on rcacs and transport/current expenditure c/ Expenditure en health /current expenditure£/ 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the fiscal performance of African economies, specifically the ratio of current revenue to GDP, the contribution of foreign trade to public revenues, and the impact of changes in revenue on government expenditures. It appears to be related to the economic development and financial management of African countries, with a focus on government revenue and expenditure.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade