The African Development Bank (AfDB) has barred China Railway 20th Bureau Group Corporation Ltd (CR20 Ltd) from participating in Bank-financed projects for 13 months following a finding of fraudulent conduct during a transport programme in Cameroon.
The conditional debarment requires CR20 Ltd to complete an integrity compliance programme before it can become eligible to participate in future AfDB-financed activities.
CR20 Ltd is a China-registered construction company with affiliates operating in international markets. The AfDB said its Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption established that the company engaged in a fraudulent practice during the first phase of Cameroon’s Transport Sector Support Programme.
The programme was designed to expand and modernise Cameroon’s road network while supporting efforts to diversify the country’s economy.
The Bank did not disclose details of the fraudulent conduct or identify the specific contract involved.
During the 13-month debarment period, CR20 Ltd and its affiliates will be prohibited from participating in projects and other activities financed by the AfDB.
Compliance Required
The sanction is conditional, meaning the company will not automatically regain eligibility once the 13-month period expires.
CR20 Ltd must demonstrate that it has satisfactorily completed an integrity compliance programme that meets AfDB requirements. The programme is intended to strengthen the company’s internal controls and reduce the risk of misconduct in future procurement and project implementation.
The company will only be considered eligible to participate in AfDB-financed operations after satisfying the Bank’s compliance requirements.
The debarment forms part of the AfDB’s broader measures to protect development financing and strengthen transparency and integrity in projects supported across Africa.
For governments, contractors and other companies participating in development-financed infrastructure projects, the case also highlights the importance of robust procurement controls and compliance with institutional integrity requirements.
Source: Channel Africa