African Economic Recovery and Development was adopted in June 1986. Within this framework, the African countries are committed to carrying out programmes of ii RM/31 A/S-18/PV. 2 149-150 (Mr. Farah, Djibouti) economic development and structural reform, while the international community is committed to supporting such efforts fully. Battever, as it turns out, the implementation of the Programme of Action has been seriously hindered by external financial difficulties, and the rapid economic decline of many African countries is continuing. The continuous deterioration of the socio-economic situation and the increasing marginalization of the least developed countries -in which, in 1988, the share of exports barely reached o. 3 per cent, in spite of the reforms undertaken -prove that pursuing good national policies alone is not sufficient to reverse those adverse trends. A flagrant.example of the importance accorded such external conditions lies in the problem of debt. The debt crisis is due not only to the amount of the debt but also to the inability of countries to continue to service it. This inability is due to the sharp decline in the prices of commodities, on the one hand, and, on the other, to the policy of protectionism adopted by the developed countries. Unfortunately, all predictions point to the fact that the deterioration of terms of trade relative to primary conuoodi ties will probably be even worse in the 1990s. BCT/dl A/S-18/PV. 2 151 (Mr. Farah, Djibouti) Exporting these primary com11K>dities is vital for the economic survival of a great number of developing countries. While these countries are cornmitted to reducing their external debt, the prices of major export products have fallen by 2 per cent and revenue by one third since the beginning of the 1980s, which represents a real loss of export earninq amounting to $120 billion. Even with debt 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the economic challenges faced by African countries, particularly the debt crisis and the decline in the prices of primary commodities. It highlights the need for external support to overcome these challenges and achieve economic recovery and development. The text does not mention specific industries, natural resources, or environmental issues, but rather focuses on the broader economic context and the impact of external factors on African countries' economies.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade