AfDB Debars Chinese Firm Over Uganda Road Project Fraud

The African Development Bank Group, on 28 March 2024, announces the conclusion of a negotiated settlement agreement with China Henan International Cooperation Group Company Limited, thus putting an end to sanctions proceedings for a fraudulent practice against China Henan International Cooperation Group Company Limited. Pursuant to the negotiated settlement agreement, China Henan International Cooperation Group Company Limited, registered in China, will be debarred for a period of 12 months, effective 28 March 2024.

An investigation conducted by the Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption of the African Development Bank Group, established that China Henan International Cooperation Group Company Limited engaged in a fraudulent practice when it failed to disclose the use of a commission agent while submitting a bid in the context of a tender for the procurement of civil works for upgrading of Rukungiri-Kihihi-Ishasha/Kanungu to bituminous standard, a component of the Road Sector Support Project in Uganda.

The Road Sector Support Project is aimed at improving road access to socio-economic activities and quality of transport services levels in south-western and eastern parts of Uganda by upgrading the Rukungiri-Kihihi-Ishasha/Kanungu and Bumbobi-Lwakhakha roads from gravel to bitumen standard thereby contributing to improved standard of living of the beneficiaries; supporting the tourism industry; and promoting regional integration and cross border trade with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Kenya.

During the debarment period, China Henan International Cooperation Group Company Limited and specified affiliates will be ineligible to participate in Bank Group-financed activities.

China Henan International Cooperation Group Company Limited will be required to cooperate with the Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption and with law enforcement agencies and regulatory authorities of African Development Bank Member Countries in their investigative functions. At the expiry of the debarment period, China Henan International Cooperation Group Company Limited will only be eligible to resume participation in African Development Bank Group-financed activities after it implements an integrity compliance program consistent with the Bank’s guidelines.

The Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption of the African Development Bank Group is responsible for preventing, deterring and investigating allegations of corruption, fraud and other sanctionable practices in Bank Group-financed operations.