industrialization process andintheinformal sector. 30.7Thenearcollapse oftheAfrican economies aroundthemiddleofthe1980swas primarily because ofdifficulties encountered intheagricultural sector. The related foodcrisis anditsconsequences wereunprecedented intheregion's history. Thepriority attention accorded tothesectorinthelastfewyearsmust, therefore, continue. 30.8Thechallenge toindustry inAfricainthe1990swillbetolayasound foundation forself-reliant andself-sustaining industrialization byshifting the emphasis fromimport-dependent consumer goodsindustries toresource-base and engineering coreindustries infoodprocessing, textiles, forest andwood,metals, mechanical, chemicals andpetro-chemicals andbuilding materials withinthe framework oftheSecondIndustrial Development DecadeforAfrica. Duringthe 1990s,therefore, renewed effortwillhavetobeconcentrated oncreating favourable conditions forsmall-scale industries andtheeffective functioning of -4-41 Digitized by Dag Hammarskjöld Libraryprivate andpublic enterprises. Emphasis willalsobeputontheadoption by African countries ofsoundindustrial policies, plansandprogrammes andonthe institution andbuilding oftechnological andmanagement capabilities. 30.9Infrastructure forself-reliant andself-sustaining diversified development andeconomic growth ~mbraces awiderangeofessential institutions, services and physical structures. Special attention willhavetobepaidtotheinfluence of transport andcommunications onthenature anddynamics ofdomestic markets andthe needinthatregard fortheeffective integration ofnational andmultinational economies. Theimplementation oftheprogramme fortheSecondTransport and Communications Decade inAfrica should serveasauseful framework inthatregard. Thepotential inherent intourism forpromoting intra-African co-operation and development should alsobeenhanced through thedevelopment ofintra-African tourism, establishment ofinter-State tourist circuits anddevelopment ofthe required technical skills. 30.10 Inothersectors oftheeconomy, theregionwillbefacedwiththeneedto reform market structures, intensify interregional tradeandstrengthen trade-oriented andmu1tisectoral intergovernmental organizations andfinancial institutions. Further efforts arerequired forthecreation ofafavourable environment forinflows offinancial resources tothecountries oftheregion and conditions fortheireffective utilization. Theregional programme forsocial development willneedtobedeepened inthe1990sinordertoenhance the appropriate social environment andrequirements foreconomic productivity, social welfare andindividual well-being. Another important areaisthecontinual assessment oftheroleofthepUblic sector withaviewtoimproving itsefficiency andeffectiveness, improving theperformance ofpublicenterprises, reforming the public services tomakethemmoredevelopment oriented, andformulating measures forencouraging theparticipation ofindigenous entrepreneurs inthedevelopment of theprivate andpUblic sectors oftheeconomies. Finally, theneedforsubstantial improvement ofstatistical andinformation systems intheregion basedonthe greater useofcomputer technology isessential fortheimprovement ofthe decision-making process indifferent sectors oftheeconomy atthecountry, subregional andregional levels. 2.Overall strategy 30.11 Theprogramme willbeimplemented bythesecretariat ofECA.TheCommission willcontinue tobeafocalpointindeveloping strategies forenhancing the regional andinterregional co-operation intheinterests ofAfrican countries. During theperiod 1992-1997 ofthemedium-term plan,thesecretariat willundertake economic andsocial research andanalyses ofspecific issues, inaccordance with priorities established bytheCommission, provide substantive and conference-servicing oftheCommission, asandwhenrequired, andorganize seminars
**Analysis**
The text appears to be a strategic plan for economic development in Africa, focusing on industrialization, infrastructure, and institutional development. It emphasizes the importance of self-reliance, diversification, and cooperation among African countries. The text also touches on the need for reform in various sectors, including market structures, trade, and public services.

**Category**
Economic development, Industry, Transport and communication, International trade