Guyana to Achieve Corn and Soybean Self-Sufficiency by 2026

Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha confirmed that Guyana is on track to become self-sufficient in corn and soybean production by May 2026, reducing an estimated US$30M in annual feed import costs. The initiative, backed by $1.2B in infrastructure investment and led by a consortium including Guyana Stockfeeds, Edun Farms, and Bounty Farm, aims to scale production to 25,000 acres. A new drying and storage facility—the first in the country—is set to be operational this year, supporting both local feed security and potential export to Caribbean markets.

Origins Guyana Fashion Festival Aims to Globalize Creative Industry

The Origins Guyana Fashion Festival, launching May 2–4, is being positioned as a catalyst for the country's fashion industry, linking local talent to global markets. Backed by the Ministry of Tourism, the event will showcase Guyanese designers to international buyers and media while offering business workshops and exposure for models and artisans. Organizers highlighted fashion’s $1.84 trillion global value as an untapped opportunity for Guyana’s economic diversification.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

SMALL ENTERPRISE OPPORTUNITIES

1. Digital Skills Training for Rural Youth (Essequibo-focused)

Opportunity: Provide certified online training courses and bootcamps in agriculture tech, engineering software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks), and basic digital literacy.

Rationale: The rollout of online university programmes in fields like agriculture, engineering, and tourism in Essequibo creates a parallel opportunity for affordable, short-form training to bridge knowledge gaps. Not every student will be degree-oriented.

Notes:

• Partner with the Ministry of Education or Guyana Digital School.

• Could operate as a mobile training centre or micro-campus.

• Offer job placement support to improve uptake.

2. Drone Spraying and Farm Monitoring Services

Opportunity: Launch a drone-based service offering pesticide and fertilizer application, especially on coconut and rice farms in Pomeroon and Essequibo.

Rationale: President Ali confirmed plans to scale drone-based chemical application in agriculture. Most farmers can’t afford to buy their own drones, creating room for drone-as-a-service models.

Notes:

• Use subscription or per-acre billing models.

• Upsell: crop health analytics, yield estimates.

• Explore leasing support from agri-equipment financiers.

3. Mobile Breast Cancer Screening Services

Opportunity: Operate mobile units equipped with mammogram screening tools or coordinate appointments for women in remote villages.

Rationale: The decentralisation of mammography services is underway, but transport and awareness are still barriers in rural areas. NGOs and private health providers could help bridge this.

Notes:

• Secure partnerships with Ministry of Health and regional hospitals.

• Offer affordable payment plans or insurance acceptance.

• Leverage health awareness campaigns as lead generation tools.

MEDIUM ENTERPRISE OPPORTUNITIES

1. Agri-Processing Facilities for Coconut and Corn-Based Products

Opportunity: Establish small-to-medium scale facilities to produce value-added coconut and corn products: virgin coconut oil, cornmeal, cattle feed, etc.

Rationale: With the PPP/C government investing in coconut value chains and nearing corn and soy self-sufficiency, there’s a need for processing infrastructure.

Notes:

• Tap into existing farmer co-ops in Pomeroon and Tacama.

• Explore financing support via Guyana’s agriculture grants or development banks.

• Distribution partnerships with supermarkets or Caribbean exporters could provide scale.

2. Construction & Maintenance for Legal and Healthcare Infrastructure

Opportunity: Offer specialist construction, fit-out, and maintenance services for the growing number of government buildings—such as DCRA offices, hospitals, daycare centers.

Rationale: The government is decentralizing infrastructure across all regions, including legal offices and healthcare expansion under the Mount Sinai partnership.

Notes:

• Position as a regional contractor focused on quality, compliance, and government timelines.

• Could expand into facility management or outsourced security services later.

3. Hospitality and Guest House Expansion in Essequibo

Opportunity: Develop or upgrade mid-range guesthouses and eco-lodges to meet rising demand during long weekends, tourism spikes, and future cricket tournaments (e.g., WCPL).

Rationale: President Ali specifically noted a shortage of hotel rooms in Essequibo. With regional events and ferry access expanding, tourism infrastructure is needed.

Notes:

• Fast-ferry introduction will boost domestic weekend tourism.

• Collaborate with GTA and Xperiences for promotional tie-ins.

• Design experiences around nature, agri-tourism, and local food.

LARGE ENTERPRISE OPPORTUNITIES

1. Highway Expansion and Civil Infrastructure Development

Opportunity: Participate in the planned four-lane expansion of the Essequibo Coast highway and associated infrastructure (drainage, road furniture, signage).

Rationale: Government confirmed that construction will begin this year. Major public works contracts will require Tier 1 contractors or experienced infrastructure firms.

Notes:

• Prequalify for tenders now through the Ministry of Public Works.

• Consider JV with local firms to meet local content rules.

• Bundle services: roadworks, utilities relocation, smart traffic systems.

2. Private Oncology & Diagnostic Center with Digital Health Integration

Opportunity: Set up a private specialist diagnostic centre to offer oncology, cardiology, and chronic disease screening services connected to the new digital health records system.

Rationale: With government rolling out a national electronic health records system and modernising the public health sector, private actors can plug into the network to provide premium services.

Notes:

• Partnership opportunity with Mount Sinai or Northwell Health.

• Could leverage telemedicine sites for remote diagnostics.

• Position as a centre of excellence for Guyana and CARICOM.

3. Cold Chain Logistics and Export Processing Zones

Opportunity: Develop cold storage, packaging, and export consolidation centres for agri-produce from Pomeroon and Tacama heading to the Caribbean.

Rationale: The $880M Charity Wharf development will allow for direct maritime trade to the Caribbean. Cold chain infrastructure will be critical to maintain product integrity.

Notes:

• Government support likely through the Ministry of Agriculture and GO-Invest.

• Build full-service logistics: washing, grading, packaging, storage, and containerization.

• Could become a core enabler of Guyana’s agri-export strategy.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Mobile Agri Drone Spraying Services (Micro Franchise Model)

Concept:
Partner with an existing drone services provider or small agri-tech business to operate a drone on evenings or weekends for pesticide/fertilizer application on farms.

Why it works:

• Drone usage in farming is being actively encouraged by the government (Ali’s remarks on drone-based fertilizer application in Essequibo).

• Farmers don’t want to buy expensive drones, but will gladly pay a per-acre service fee.

• The Tacama and Pomeroon regions are scaling up corn, coconut, and rice—high-need crops for drone services.

How to start:

• Team up with a drone owner or lease a basic agricultural drone through a co-op or financing scheme.

• Offer weekend-only or early morning spraying services at a per-acre fee.

• Join farming WhatsApp groups, co-ops, or regional agri bodies to market services.

2. On-Demand Legal Paperwork & Filing Assistant (Home-Based)

Concept:
Help people and small businesses in your area prepare, digitize, or file legal paperwork—especially deeds, business registrations, and land transfers—now that DCRA services are expanding.

Why it works:

• New Deeds & Commercial Registry offices are opening in regions like Essequibo.

• Most people are unfamiliar with how to file forms or make appointments, especially the elderly or rural citizens.

• Small businesses and farmers need affordable help with paperwork but can’t afford full-time consultants.

How to start:

• Learn the basics of DCRA processes (business name registration, land transfer, etc.).

• Charge a flat rate (e.g., $2,000-$5,000 GYD per task) for prepping or submitting forms, scanning documents, and helping with appointments.

• Operate via WhatsApp, phone, and occasional in-person support.

3. Local Airbnb-style Rentals for Weekend Tourists (Private Room or Vacant Flat)

Concept:
Rent out a spare room, apartment, or unused property on weekends or holidays to meet the rising demand for tourism accommodation in regions like Essequibo.

Why it works:

• The President specifically highlighted a lack of hotel rooms in Essequibo on long weekends.

• Tourism is being pushed through events (like the Women’s CPL bid and Certified Sampson’s visit).

• Fast ferry expansion to Essequibo will increase weekend and domestic travel.

How to start:

• Clean and stage one room or small flat for weekend rental.

• List the property on Facebook Marketplace, booking apps, or Guyanese tourism groups.

• Offer add-ons: home-cooked breakfast, tour referrals, or local experiences.