A comparison of purchasing power parities and real economic aggregates in fifteen African countries

The Statistical Office of the European Communities assisted in a comparative study of price levels and real economic aggregates of fifteen African countries. The study was made within the framework of the International Comparison Project (ICP) for the year 1980. The comparison entailed the computation of purchasing power parities for the purpose of comparing real economic aggregates. The study has shown that considerable differences exist between exchange rates on one hand and purchasing power parities on the other. The results of the determination of purchasing power parities at the level of gross domestic product and its uses reveal relative levels of economic development, and highlight price relations.