While most African countries are indebted , the truth is that they have repaid their debts many time over given the exorbitant interest rates imposed on them , which have increased Africa 's external debts to $ US 322 billion in 1995 . The United Nations New Agenda for the Development of Africa in the 1990s ( UN-NADAF ) has focused on realizing sustainable growth and accelerating progress in agricultural development , food security , human resources development , rural and urban development , the establishment and maintenance of infrastructures , the creation of the appropriate social environment , and the enhancement of regional economic cooperation .