Guyana Eyes Gas Partnership and Shared Infrastructure with Suriname

As Suriname embarks on significant offshore oil and gas development with a US$10.5 billion investment in its Block 58 project, Guyana has expressed keen interest in joint natural gas development and shared infrastructure initiatives. Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo emphasized Guyana’s willingness to collaborate with Suriname on gas projects, as both nations have major gas reserves near their shared border. The countries are already working together in manufacturing and agro-processing, and the upcoming Corentyne River Bridge is expected to enhance these partnerships. Jagdeo hinted at future discussions with Suriname to further explore shared projects, reflecting the region’s growing importance in the global energy landscape.

Over 1,000 Youths Become Shareholders in Government-Backed Agri Company

More than 1,000 young people have become shareholders in the Agriculture Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP), a government-backed initiative aimed at promoting climate-smart agriculture. Launched in 2022, the program has generated approximately $30 million in revenue and provides participants with the opportunity to manage modern agricultural projects, such as shade houses and prawn production. Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha highlighted the initiative’s success in encouraging young people to view agriculture as a viable and profitable career path, contributing to the government’s goal of reducing the Caribbean’s food import bill by 25% by 2025.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

1. Small Enterprises (SEs)

Block-Making and Construction Materials

• Opportunity: The Small Business Bureau and Central Housing and Planning Authority's (CHPA) initiative to train block-makers highlights an ongoing demand for construction materials.

• Business Idea: Small businesses could leverage this training to start or expand block-making operations, focusing on supplying to residential and commercial construction projects. There is potential to secure small government contracts as housing developments increase.

• Notes: Entrepreneurs can capitalize on free business training and grants provided by the SBB, minimizing startup costs.

Local Agricultural Ventures

• Opportunity: With over 1,000 youths becoming shareholders in climate-smart agricultural projects, the government is emphasizing agri-business growth.

• Business Idea: Small enterprises could explore entering niche agricultural markets like high-value crops (e.g., peppers, greens, or prawns), especially in urban or underutilized rural areas.

• Notes: These ventures could focus on sustainability and low labor intensity, appealing to young professionals. Look for government grants and low-interest loans from GBTI or Demerara Bank.

Catering and Coffee Shops Near Large Projects

• Opportunity: Infrastructure development projects, such as China’s involvement in transforming Guyana, will see a high influx of workers and professionals.

• Business Idea: Small food and beverage businesses, particularly near construction sites or government projects, can cater to these workers. Offering mobile catering services or setting up cafes could be an easy entry point.

• Notes: As seen with the expansion plans for schools, targeting areas with new government-led projects could prove lucrative.

Agri-Logistics Services

• Opportunity: With the government heavily pushing for agriculture and food security, there will be an increased demand for logistics to move products efficiently.

• Business Idea: Small logistics companies could offer specialized services for transporting agricultural goods. This could include handling cold storage or time-sensitive produce.

• Notes: Focusing on last-mile delivery or specific regions with agriculture growth, such as Region 5, could differentiate these businesses.

2. Medium Enterprises (MEs)

Agriculture Processing and Value Addition

• Opportunity: The government’s Agriculture Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP) and the focus on food security present opportunities for medium-scale agribusinesses.

• Business Idea: Medium enterprises can explore setting up value-added processing units for high-value crops, such as dehydrating fruits, packaging vegetables, or processing prawns.

• Notes: The government is encouraging more scientific methods of farming, which opens the door for agritech solutions like drip irrigation systems, climate-controlled greenhouses, and precision farming.

Construction and Infrastructure Partnerships

• Opportunity: The new sixth-form block at West Demerara Secondary and plans for further expansion in Region 3 schools signal long-term infrastructure investments.

• Business Idea: Medium-sized construction firms can seek contracts for school infrastructure projects, as well as collaborate with government bodies to handle larger, multi-stage developments.

• Notes: Partnerships with the government to expand regional infrastructure, including road works, schools, and utilities, are ripe for medium enterprises.

Water Treatment and Utility Services

• Opportunity: Water disruptions in Linden due to storm damage highlight the vulnerability of local infrastructure.

• Business Idea: Medium enterprises could offer water treatment solutions, maintenance of utility infrastructure, and backup power supply systems. This includes setting up generators or alternative energy solutions for critical services like hospitals or schools.

• Notes: With increased government focus on improving utilities, there is a strong case for private-public partnerships in this sector.

Smart Agricultural Technology

• Opportunity: With the Agriculture Month theme focusing on innovation, medium enterprises could provide agricultural technology solutions.

• Business Idea: Businesses could offer drone surveillance for crops, IoT-based monitoring systems for soil health, or smart irrigation systems for large-scale farms.

• Notes: The government's focus on food security and reducing the CARICOM food import bill presents a scalable market for tech-driven agricultural solutions.

3. Large Enterprises (LEs)

Renewable Energy and Power Infrastructure

• Opportunity: The recent power disruptions in Lethem, caused by utility pole damage, and water disruptions in Linden indicate a gap in reliable energy infrastructure.

• Business Idea: Large enterprises can invest in renewable energy projects like solar or wind farms to support these regions. Additionally, large-scale utility companies could partner with the government to provide resilient power and backup systems for critical infrastructure.

• Notes: Guyana’s transition to becoming an oil-producing state also presents opportunities for energy companies to create synergies between traditional and renewable energy solutions.

Joint Ventures in Natural Gas and Oil Infrastructure

• Opportunity: With the ongoing discussions between Guyana and Suriname on shared gas infrastructure, there is significant potential for large enterprises to collaborate on cross-border projects.

• Business Idea: Oil and gas companies could invest in joint natural gas extraction and distribution networks, focusing on the industrial and manufacturing sector's energy needs. The Corentyne River Bridge will further facilitate cross-border trade and energy projects.

• Notes: Beyond gas, companies could explore downstream opportunities in refining or petrochemicals, leveraging the increasing oil output.

International Investment in Education Infrastructure

• Opportunity: The government is making substantial investments in educational infrastructure, as seen with new schools and sixth-form blocks.

• Business Idea: Large enterprises, particularly international construction or educational service providers, could partner with the government to build state-of-the-art educational facilities, including vocational schools focused on tech and agriculture.

• Notes: Educational PPPs (Public-Private Partnerships) could be a long-term growth area, especially with Guyana’s need for skilled labor in emerging industries.

Agri-Processing Export Hubs

• Opportunity: The focus on modernizing agriculture and food security, paired with Guyana’s proximity to CARICOM markets, opens up opportunities for large-scale food processing and export hubs.

• Business Idea: Large enterprises can set up agri-processing zones, where local farmers can aggregate produce for export. These facilities could focus on processing crops like rice, fruits, and seafood for international markets.

• Notes: Guyana’s goal to reduce CARICOM’s food import bill by 25% by 2025 presents a strong export opportunity for processed and packaged foods.

Key Notes and Strategic Insights

• Government Support: Across sectors, there is a strong push from the government for innovation, infrastructure development, and partnerships, which creates a favorable environment for businesses of all sizes.

• Youth and Agriculture: The influx of youth into agriculture through the AIEP creates opportunities for businesses to provide services and products tailored to this demographic, from modern equipment to processing solutions.

• Energy and Utilities: As Guyana transitions to becoming an energy exporter, there are significant gaps in utility resilience that can be filled by businesses offering modern energy solutions, particularly in renewable energy and grid infrastructure.

• Export and Trade: Guyana's focus on food security and reducing regional food imports presents a strong case for scaling up agri-processing and export operations. Large enterprises could position themselves as key players in the regional food supply chain.

By strategically targeting these opportunities, enterprises of all sizes can play a role in Guyana’s rapid economic development across multiple sectors.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Small-Scale Agri-Processing Business (Dehydrated or Packaged Goods)

• Opportunity: With the government's push for climate-smart agriculture and food security, there's a rising demand for value-added agricultural products.

• Side Hustle Idea: Individuals can start small-scale agri-processing ventures focused on high-demand products like dehydrated fruits (mangoes, pineapples) or small-batch spice mixes (like dehydrated peppers or garlic). These can be packaged and sold to local markets, hotels, or exported to neighboring countries.

• Why it works: Low upfront costs with government support for agribusiness, and minimal land requirements. It’s ideal for people already working who can manage production in their free time.

2. Specialized Construction and Utility Services

• Opportunity: The recent disruptions in Lethem and Linden highlight a need for reliable utility infrastructure services, including maintenance of electrical poles and backup power systems.

• Side Hustle Idea: Start a niche business offering emergency utility repairs or setup services (such as home generator installation or water tank maintenance). As Guyana’s infrastructure expands, this service will be in demand in both urban and rural areas.

• Why it works: This is a high-value side hustle for people with electrical, plumbing, or construction skills, allowing them to capitalize on the need for infrastructure support while working full-time elsewhere.

3. Local Agri-Tourism Experiences

• Opportunity: With the focus on agriculture modernization and eco-friendly practices, there’s potential to connect urban professionals and tourists with authentic farm experiences.

• Side Hustle Idea: Offer weekend agri-tourism activities, where people can visit small farms, learn about climate-smart agriculture, and even participate in farming activities. Packages can include farm-to-table meals, cooking classes using local produce, or overnight stays in eco-lodges.

• Why it works: This can be run part-time, particularly on weekends, and capitalizes on the growing interest in sustainable living and local tourism. It leverages Guyana’s natural resources and growing tourism sector.

Each of these side hustles taps into current developments, aligns with the country’s expanding economy, and offers high potential for extra income without requiring a full-time commitment.