al Programming and Opera tiona! Centres (t-1ULPOCs), continues to give all possible support to the existing intergovernmental or­ qar:izations in Africa, such as the Central African Customs and Economic Union, the Economic Cormnunity of the Great Lakes Countries, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Mane River Union and the \'lest African Economic Com­ munity (CEAO). Ne have also continued to implement as vigorously as possible the programme of the United Nations Transport and Communications Decade in Africa (1978-1988), and preparations for the second phase of the Decade (1984-1988) will be completed in early 1983. \V'e vie\..r the successful implementation of the program­ me as an essential condition for the integration and co-operation process, and for achievement of an increasing measure of self­ . relia nee and self-sustainment in Africa. D. Urqent policy measures which need to be initiatec1 in 1983 - 19. At the eighth meeting of the Conference of Ministers, held in Tripoli last April, I arc:ued that in the opinion of the ECA secretariat, the present international economic crisis is not of a transient nature and that there is increasing evidence that we are facing not only a serious disequilibrium in the world economy, but also one which is of a structural nature, linked to long-term factors. I further argued that in view of the declin­ ing adjustment capacity of the industrialized countries, any economic recovery will be slow and painful, and might indeed des­ tabilize the African economies even further. The experience of the past months confirms me in my view that it is imperative for our Governments to accelerate the implementation of the Lagos Plan of Action, which provides the framework for protecting the African economies from such destabilization by making them less dependent on external fluctuations. 20. In that respect, what our Governments do or fail to do in 
**Analysis**
The text discusses the economic situation in Africa, the implementation of the Lagos Plan of Action, and the importance of self-reliance and self-sustainment in the continent. It also mentions the support provided by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) to various intergovernmental organizations and the implementation of the United Nations Transport and Communications Decade in Africa. Given the focus on economic development, international trade, and self-reliance, it is likely that the text falls under the categories of economic development and international trade.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade