Karpowership, a Turkish firm, successfully reinstates power supply to the capital of Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau's capital, Bissau, has had its power restored by Turkish company Karpowership after a two-day blackout caused by an unpaid bill of $15 million. The company resumed operations after receiving a payment of $6 million from the government. The power cut had a significant impact on the city, with hospitals unable to function properly and radio stations unable to broadcast. Guinea-Bissau, one of the world's poorest countries, has faced ongoing instability since gaining independence. The government signed a contract with Karpowership in 2019 to supply all of its power. The company expressed gratitude for the government's payment, which enabled them to resume electricity supplies. The Energy Minister confirmed that $6 million of the $15 million bill had been settled, but the contract with Karpowership needs to be renegotiated due to increasing costs. Guinea-Bissau has one of the lowest electricity connection rates in Africa, with frequent power outages. Karpowership also provides electricity to several other African countries and recently cut off power to Sierra Leone's capital due to an unpaid bill.