Unfortunately, the World Bank and the IMF are controlled by the richest countries in the world, which ensures that the World Bank and the IMF act in the interests of rich countries, promoting a model of economic growth that benefits richer countries and the international private sector. They have ignored the suffering caused to people, especially in many developing countries, through their economic policies. The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund have forced African countries to adopt “structural adjustment programs” (SAPs) and other measures that reduce public spending on basic services. They called on African governments to reduce trade barriers and open their markets, maintaining their economies as sources of cheap raw materials and cheap labor for multinationals.