Sunday March 17, 2024
Mogadishu (HOL) - The World Bank Group has imposed 15-month sanctions on Africa Enablers GmbH, a Switzerland-based firm, and its principals, Dr. Philipp Schuller and Mr. Stephan Willms, for unethical behaviour while bidding for the Somali Core Economic Institutions and Opportunities Program (SCORE).
“These misrepresentations by Africa Enablers and the principals were reckless and constitute a fraudulent practice under the World Bank’s Consultant Guidelines,” the bank said.
The firm and its executives have agreed to a settlement, acknowledging their misconduct without contesting the charges. To have the sanctions lifted, they must adhere to integrity conditions.
Initially, Africa Enablers and its principals will face a ten-month debarment, making them ineligible for World Bank Group-financed projects. Following this, they will enter five months of conditional non-debarment, during which they can participate in World Bank projects if they meet certain conditions. Failure to comply will result in reinstatement of the full sanctions.
The sanctions were instigated by fraudulent misrepresentations by Africa Enablers and its principals regarding their previous experience during the project's bidding process. Their actions violated the World Bank's consulting standards and were considered reckless and fraudulent.
As part of the settlement, the sanction period has been reduced in recognition of the firm's and principals' voluntary actions, such as amending the experience descriptions on their website and avoiding bids for World Bank Group-financed contracts during negotiations.
To lift the sanctions, Africa Enablers and its principals must develop and implement a Code of Conduct aligned with the World Bank Group Integrity Compliance Guidelines and complete corporate ethics training. They have also pledged to continue their cooperation with the World Bank Group Integrity Vice Presidency, aiming to correct their previous wrongdoings.