Discover the solar project in Guinea-Bissau advised by Abreu Advogados that was recognised by the Financial Times in 2025

The Bolama solar power plant in Guinea-Bissau represents a transformative project for access to sustainable energy in the region and was internationally recognised by the Financial Times in the Innovative Lawyers Europe 2025 ranking. Developed by the Portuguese NGO TESE under the programme “Ianda Guiné! Ação Lus ku Iagu”, financed by the European Union and the World Bank, the project enabled the construction of the country’s first solar power plant on the island of Bolama, in the Bijagós archipelago.

Before this infrastructure was implemented, the local community had no access to the national electricity grid. The solar plant now ensures a clean and reliable supply of electricity to thousands of residents, helping to improve living conditions and support local economic development. Abreu Advogados provided pro bono legal support to the initiative, developing the contractual and legal framework that enabled the construction and sustainable operation of the plant.

This legal work was internationally recognised with the “Innovative Lawyers in Responsible Business” award granted by the Financial Times as part of the Innovative Lawyers Europe 2025 ranking. Abreu Advogados was also ranked as the 5th most innovative law firm in Europe, the highest position ever achieved by a Portuguese law firm and the only distinction awarded to Portugal in that edition.

The legal work on the project was led by Bruno Azevedo Rodrigues, partner and co-head of the Projects & Structured Finance sector, and Manuel Santos Vitor, partner and co-head of the Corporate, Commercial and M&A practice and the Guinea-Bissau Desk.

In this video, they reflect on the development of the project, the main legal challenges involved and the lasting impact of the Bolama solar power plant on the local community.