World Bank Debars Congolese National for Corruption

21-month debarment with conditional release for Roger Bokandenga's role in contract kickback scheme

Apr. 16, 2026 at 12:14am

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A photorealistic studio still-life image featuring a stack of official documents, a pen, and a small bag of money on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the abstract themes of corporate corruption and the consequences of unethical business practices.A World Bank investigation uncovers a kickback scheme that undermines the integrity of its development projects.Washington Today

The World Bank Group has announced the 21-month debarment with conditional release of Roger Bokandenga, a national of the Democratic Republic of Congo, for corrupt practices in connection with a World Bank-financed small and medium enterprise development project. Bokandenga, who served on the evaluation commission that awarded a contract, was found to have received a portion of the contract value as a kickback from the winning company.

Why it matters

The World Bank's debarment of Bokandenga is part of its efforts to combat corruption and ensure the integrity of its development projects. This case highlights the Bank's sanctions framework and its commitment to holding individuals accountable for corrupt practices that undermine the effectiveness of its investments.

The details

According to the World Bank, Bokandenga received $6,183 from the winning company in exchange for his influence over the contract award for the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise Development and Growth Project (PADMPME). The project aimed to support the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises and increase employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for youth and women in select areas.

  • The World Bank announced the debarment on April 15, 2026.

The players

Roger Bokandenga

A national of the Democratic Republic of Congo who served on the evaluation commission that awarded a World Bank-funded contract and received a kickback from the winning company.

World Bank Group

The international financial institution that debarred Bokandenga for 21 months with conditional release for his corrupt practices related to a World Bank-financed project.

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The takeaway

This case demonstrates the World Bank's commitment to combating corruption and holding individuals accountable for undermining the integrity of its development projects. The debarment of Bokandenga, with the possibility of cross-debarment by other multilateral banks, sends a strong message that corrupt practices will not be tolerated.