The World Bank has barred PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) firms in Kenya, Rwanda, and Mauritius from participating in its funded projects for 21 months following findings of fraud and collusion.
In a statement issued on March 18, the World Bank said PwC entities in the three countries were involved in improper conduct during the procurement process for contracts under the Eastern Africa Power Integration Program.
The firms were accused of obtaining confidential procurement information from project officials in 2019 in order to influence the awarding of contracts linked to the Ethiopian Electricity Highway Project. The project was designed to boost electricity supply in Kenya and enable Ethiopia to generate revenue through power exports.
Investigations further revealed that the PwC firms misrepresented the availability, qualifications, and employment status of key experts. They also failed to fully disclose subcontractors during both the selection and execution phases of the contracts—actions deemed fraudulent and collusive under World Bank guidelines.
“The debarment makes PwC Associates, PwC Kenya, PwC Rwanda and any affiliates they control ineligible to participate in Bank Group-financed projects and operations,” the statement noted.
The sanctions follow a settlement agreement in which the firms admitted wrongdoing. The World Bank said their cooperation during investigations, internal reviews, staff training, and efforts to strengthen compliance systems contributed to a reduced debarment period.
The firms had also voluntarily refrained from bidding on World Bank-funded projects while the settlement negotiations were ongoing.
As part of the agreement, the companies are required to implement robust integrity and compliance programmes in line with World Bank standards before they can be reinstated.
While PricewaterhouseCoopers Africa Limited was not directly sanctioned, it signed the agreement to ensure proper oversight and compliance among its member firms.
The World Bank emphasised that the move is aimed at reinforcing accountability, transparency, and ethical standards in all projects it finances.
