By Josephine Akaerr, Special Correspondent  

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB), on  February 2, 2021, issued a sanction decision against Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (“MHI”).

This matter arises in the context of the Abu Qir 1300 MW Steam Power Project (hereinafter referred to as the “Project”) in Egypt. On January 15, 2008, the Bank entered into a loan agreement with the Arab Republic of Egypt to finance part of the Project which had a broad objective of improving the electricity supply in Egypt. MHI, as part of a consortium, submitted a bid and was awarded the contract.

The African Development Bank considers there is sufficient evidence to support a finding that it is more likely than not that MHI engaged in sanctionable practices (misrepresentation) in the context of Abu Qir tender and contract implementation.

In consideration of the above and in the absence of any aggravating factor, AfDB decided to issue a Letter of Reprimand against MHI in line with Section 11.2 (a) of the Sanctions Procedures of the African Development Bank Group.