I should now 1 ike to tum to two of the most crucial economic issues of today~ the debt crisis and ooverty, which are particularly acute for African countries south of the Sahara whose external debt burden has impeded meaningful economic development and qrowth. The region's debt now equals 100 per cent of its qross national product and more than 3 50 per cent of its total export value. Despite the reform proqrammes embarked upon by these countries, most of them are still confronted with two major economic problems, namely, the debt-service burden and the larqe unmanaqeable debt stock that continue to impede their recovery efforts. It will be recalled that several re~ief measures have been prooosed in an attempt to find solutions to the debt crisis. These include the Baker plan, the Brady initiative, the United States debt-relief plan for Sub-Saharan African countries and the Toronto option. Welcome as these initiatives are, they contain some aspects which are not adequate for the effective solution of the problem of debt reduction. We believe that debt reduction, especiallY for heavily indebted JSM/td A/S-18/PV.S 40 (Mr. Lukman, Niqerial countries, remains an essential part of the overall economic measures required to restore growth in ~velopinq countries. In addition, it is essential to stress that the unstable nature of international interest rates is of crucial importance in the adoption of any debt strateqy. JB/11 A/S-18/PV.S 41 (Mr. Lukman, Nigeria) The Toronto plan, as regards the world's debtor nations, may provide a useful first step in addressing the debt problem of sub-Saharan African countries. Nevertheless, it is by no means adequate, as it has been observed in its implementation so far that the resultant debt-reduction impact has been very minimal. Much more, therefore, needs to be done in order to ameliorate the present 
**Analysis**
The text primarily discusses the economic issues of debt crisis and poverty in African countries, specifically in sub-Saharan Africa. The author emphasizes the need for debt reduction and its impact on economic development. The text also mentions international interest rates and debt relief plans, indicating an international perspective. Therefore, it is likely that the category is related to economic issues.

**Category**
Economic development, International trade