Plizio Visual Lab
CICER Brewery Bissau
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Industrial site
Weather…
Water temperature…
The CICER Brewery (Companhia Industrial de Cervejas e Refrigerantes) in Bissau is the most traditional industrial enterprise in Guinea-Bissau and a cornerstone of local manufacturing. Established during the late colonial period, the brewery served for a long time as the flagship of the national industry, enduring decades of economic crisis and civil unrest. CICER is best known for producing the national beer brand 'Pano,' as well as brewing the Portuguese 'Sagres' under license and a variety of soft drinks. The plant plays a vital role in the national economy as one of the largest private-sector employers and a significant taxpayer. Located within Bissau's industrial zone, the brewery's architecture is strictly functional, reflecting the technological standards of its era. In recent years, CICER has undergone modernization efforts and sought new investment to remain competitive against imported beverages from neighboring countries. The CICER brand is deeply embedded in the social fabric of Guinea-Bissau, symbolizing national pride in a homegrown industrial product that continues to operate despite challenging circumstances.
- Location: Guinea-Bissau
- Nearby: Safim (13 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 23 | 25 | 27 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 26 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 21 | 132 | 375 | 487 | 355 | 173 | 11 | 0 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The CICER Brewery in Bissau is the largest and most traditional brewery in the country, producing both beer and soft drinks. It supplies the domestic market with well-known beer brands and is a key employer in Guinea-Bissau.
Visiting
The brewery can be visited on guided factory tours that must be arranged in advance. From the outside, the building is clearly visible from the main road, but access to the production area is controlled.
Where to view it
A good spot for an exterior view is the intersection in front of the brewery's main gate, where the building and truck entrance are visible. From the nearby suspension bridge over the Rio Geba, there is an overview of the plant.
Local products
Main products are local beer brands like CICER as well as fruit juices and lemonades. In the region, artisanal specialty beers are also available on markets, using local ingredients such as cashew juice.
Active season
The brewery operates year-round, but demand increases during the dry season and holidays such as Independence Day in September. During these times, production is at its highest and there is bustling activity at the factory gate.
Nearby
A visit to the brewery can be combined with a city tour of Bissau and a visit to the Presidential Palace. The nearby port of Bissau and the markets of the old town are also worth a detour.
Geography
Facts
- CICER is the sole large-scale brewery operating in Guinea-Bissau.
- The flagship brand 'Pano' refers to the country's traditional textiles.
- The facility produces Sagres beer under a long-standing licensing agreement.
- It is a key driver of the formal industrial sector in the capital.
- The brewery maintained operations through most of the country's history.
- Water for production is sourced from dedicated deep artesian wells.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town CICER Brewery Bissau (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the CICER brewery?
CICER (now Ceris) is the oldest and most significant brewery in the country, located in the capital, Bissau.
What beer is brewed there?
The most famous product is the national lager 'Cristal', which is consumed throughout the country.
Can you visit the brewery?
Guided tours are rare; you should inquire beforehand, often only a view from the outside is possible.
Where is the brewery located in Bissau?
It is located in the industrial area on the outskirts of the city, easily reachable by taxi.
Why is the brewery economically important?
It is one of the largest taxpayers and employers in the manufacturing sector of Guinea-Bissau.
CICER Brewery Bissau: where is it located?
CICER Brewery Bissau is located in Guinea-Bissau.
CICER Brewery Bissau: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
CICER Brewery Bissau: why is it worth visiting?
The CICER Brewery (Companhia Industrial de Cervejas e Refrigerantes) in Bissau is the most traditional industrial enterprise in Guinea-Bissau and a cornerstone of local manufacturing.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Africa
More places in Guinea-Bissau →
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Bissau City Hall
The seat of Bissau's city government (Câmara Municipal), a historic building housing the administrative management of the capital.
Commercial Port of Bissau
The economic gateway of the country, handling the majority of cashew nut exports and imports of essential goods.
Ilhéu do Rei Lighthouse
A historic lighthouse on a small island opposite the port of Bissau, guiding ships through the Geba River estuary.
BCEAO Building Bissau
The main branch of the Central Bank of West African States in Bissau, an imposing modern building symbolizing the economic stability of t…
Central Market of Bissau
The pulsating heart of trade in Bissau, a colorful market where everything from fresh food to traditional handicrafts is sold.
Estádio Lino Correia
A multi-use stadium located in the heart of Bissau, used mainly for football matches and one of the oldest sporting structures in the cap…
Portuguese Cultural Center Bissau
A significant cultural center that maintains the historical and linguistic links between Portugal and Guinea-Bissau.
French Cultural Center Bissau
An important cultural center in the capital, offering art exhibitions, concerts, and language courses, promoting intercultural exchange.
Nature
More places
Children's Area at Franco-Bissau-Guinéen Cultural Center
A cultural space in the capital offering special programs, films, and workshops for children.
Old Port of Bissau
The old port (Porto de Bissau) is the historic gateway to the city and the country.
Pidjiguiti Memorial
This monument commemorates the 1959 Pidjiguiti massacre, where striking dockworkers were killed by Portuguese police.
Fortaleza de São José da Amura
A historic fortress in the center of Bissau, built by the Portuguese in the 17th century.
Praça dos Heróis Playground
A central meeting point for families in Bissau with play equipment and plenty of space to run.
Bissau Cathedral
The Sé Catedral de Nossa Senhora da Candelária is a prominent religious building in Bissau.
Heroes of the Fatherland Monument
A monumental square and monument in Bissau dedicated to the fighters who gave their lives for the independence of Guinea-Bissau.
Bissau Thermal Power Plant
The central power generation facility of the capital, responsible for supplying electricity to households and industrial enterprises.