Kumu and Moco-Moco Hydropower Plants Near Completion in Guyana

The Kumu and Moco-Moco hydropower plants in Region Nine, Guyana, are on track to be completed by the end of 2024, bringing clean, renewable energy to the region. The projects, valued at around US$12.85 million and led by Sri Lankan firm Vidullanka PLC, are part of the government's commitment to enhancing energy security through renewable sources. The Kumu plant is 78% complete, while Moco-Moco is 95% complete. These plants will contribute to regional development by providing reliable electricity, reducing costs, and helping Guyana achieve its renewable energy targets.

Minibus Fare Exploitation Under Scrutiny in Guyana

United Minibus Union (UMU) President Eon Andrews has called on minibus operators to stop exploiting commuters by charging higher fares during peak hours. While fare structures were established in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, drivers are reportedly disregarding them. Andrews emphasized the need for stricter enforcement and urged the government to address the issue. This comes as commuters increasingly take to social media to voice frustrations about fare inconsistencies, prompting the UMU to advocate for consumer protection without revising the current fare structure.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises

1. Local Film Production Support Services

   • Opportunity: With actor Jacob Scipio planning to produce films in Guyana, small businesses could provide essential on-the-ground support for film productions. This includes catering, transportation, equipment rental, and even location scouting.

   • Thoughts: Film productions often rely on local suppliers for quick and reliable services. Small enterprises could create partnerships with foreign filmmakers by offering tailored packages for logistical and technical support.

2. Renewable Energy Equipment and Maintenance

   • Opportunity: As the Kumu and Moco-Moco hydropower plants come online, small enterprises can offer specialized services such as equipment maintenance, installation of renewable energy systems (solar or wind), and energy consultancy for small towns and businesses in Region Nine.

   • Thoughts: With the focus on renewable energy, there’s a growing need for skilled technicians and businesses specializing in green energy technologies.

3. Minibus Fare Regulation Tech Solution

   • Opportunity: Develop a simple app or service that tracks and displays regulated minibus fares in real-time. The app could allow users to report fare gouging and allow authorities to monitor compliance.

   • Thoughts: A tech-based solution targeting fare exploitation could see strong uptake, as it directly benefits consumers. Small startups could partner with local unions or government ministries to implement this solution.

4. Eco-Tourism and Adventure Gear Retail

   • Opportunity: As Guyana continues to attract luxury travel operators like Abercrombie & Kent, local small businesses can supply eco-friendly adventure gear, souvenirs, and cultural items for tourists visiting remote eco-destinations.

   • Thoughts: Eco-conscious tourism is growing, and positioning products that cater to this niche (e.g., biodegradable gear, locally sourced artisan goods) could be profitable. Leveraging local culture and sustainability will appeal to high-end, eco-focused tourists.

Medium Enterprises

1. Film Production and Creative Services

   • Opportunity: Medium enterprises could focus on the full scope of film production services, such as post-production (editing, visual effects), providing trained local talent (actors, crew), or even offering studio space for filming.

   • Thoughts: Guyana’s natural beauty combined with Jacob Scipio’s announcement offers an opportunity to develop a competitive film production industry. Investing in training locals and providing technical services could draw more international projects.

2. Tourism and Hospitality Ventures

   • Opportunity: With Abercrombie & Kent entering the market, medium enterprises can invest in setting up eco-lodges, boutique hotels, or luxury resorts near high-demand tourism spots like Lethem or Kaieteur Falls. Other options include guided tours, jungle expeditions, or wildlife safaris.

   • Thoughts: There is an opportunity to capitalize on the growing eco-tourism trend. Focus on offering unique, immersive experiences while working in line with sustainable tourism practices to meet international demand.

3. Energy Auditing and Efficiency Consulting

   • Opportunity: With renewable energy developments like the Kumu and Moco-Moco hydropower plants, medium-sized businesses can offer energy audit services to both government and local businesses. They can also offer consultation on improving energy efficiency for the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors.

   • Thoughts: As Guyana pushes towards a green energy future, this sector will grow in importance. A consulting firm that can handle everything from audits to energy-saving implementations would be well-positioned to thrive.

4. Luxury Travel Experience Providers

   • Opportunity: Partner with international companies like Abercrombie & Kent to provide bespoke travel experiences such as private charter services, custom eco-tours, or cultural immersion experiences.

   • Thoughts: Medium enterprises can add value by offering curated, personalized experiences tailored to luxury tourists. Collaborating with international players or developing strategic partnerships with local tour operators could expand their market reach.

Large Enterprises

1. Gas-to-Energy and Renewable Energy Infrastructure

   • Opportunity: With Phase Two of the Gas-to-Energy project set to be completed in two years, large enterprises can explore investment in building infrastructure, managing energy facilities, or even contributing to the construction and operation of the second power plant or related NGL facilities.

   • Thoughts: Energy infrastructure investments are long-term, capital-intensive ventures, but they offer steady returns. Large enterprises can look at private-public partnerships or direct investment into this sector. There is also room to invest in downstream industries that would benefit from excess gas, such as fertilizer production.

2. Film and Creative Industry Investment

   • Opportunity: Large businesses can invest in the creation of a dedicated film production ecosystem in Guyana, including studios, distribution channels, and training facilities for the local workforce.

   • Thoughts: Given the global expansion of film production, especially in countries with low production costs, large enterprises could establish Guyana as a regional hub for filmmaking. This could also spark opportunities in education, as the demand for skilled professionals would rise.

3. Luxury Hotel Chains or Eco-Resorts

   • Opportunity: With international luxury travel operators like Abercrombie & Kent now involved, large enterprises can invest in or expand luxury hotels, eco-resorts, or high-end lodges to cater to affluent travelers. These properties should focus on offering world-class service while integrating local culture and sustainability.

   • Thoughts: The growing tourism market and the government’s push for large-scale investments in eco-tourism present a lucrative opportunity for high-end, sustainable hospitality businesses. Offering high-margin, value-added services like spa treatments, private tours, and culinary experiences would align with the expectations of luxury travelers.

4. Energy and Industrial Equipment Supply

   • Opportunity: Large enterprises could enter or expand into the renewable energy and heavy industrial equipment supply market to support hydropower plants and gas-to-energy projects. This includes providing turbines, generators, and construction machinery for large-scale projects.

   • Thoughts: Companies that supply energy infrastructure and construction equipment would find substantial demand, especially given the government’s commitment to green energy. Establishing local offices and partnerships with the government would ensure access to significant projects.

5. Oil and Gas Support Services

   • Opportunity: Large enterprises can focus on providing integrated support services to ExxonMobil and other stakeholders involved in the oil and gas sector. This can include logistics, workforce management, housing, and technical services related to the gas-to-energy project.

   • Thoughts: The oil and gas industry remains a major economic driver in Guyana, and with ongoing expansion, there are numerous opportunities for service providers to supply everything from personnel housing to equipment maintenance.

Final Notes:

• For Small Enterprises: Flexibility and innovation are key, particularly in tourism and local support services. Capitalize on the emerging opportunities in tourism, film, and renewable energy.

• For Medium Enterprises: Focus on partnerships and leveraging specialized knowledge, particularly in tourism and renewable energy. Positioning yourself as an industry leader in these growing sectors can drive substantial long-term growth.

• For Large Enterprises: The energy sector, film production infrastructure, and luxury tourism represent significant long-term opportunities that align with national priorities. Collaboration with the government and foreign investors will be essential to capitalizing on these large-scale developments.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Renewable Energy Equipment and Installation Services

• Idea: As the Kumu and Moco-Moco hydropower plants near completion, there will be increased demand for renewable energy solutions, especially for residential and small business setups. A side hustle offering renewable energy installation services, such as solar panel systems or small wind turbines, would be highly valuable. This could include setting up energy-efficient systems or consulting on reducing energy costs through alternative power.

• Why It’s High Value: Renewable energy is a growing sector, especially as Guyana pushes for sustainable development. Offering this service as a side hustle allows people to tap into government incentives and rising local demand. With basic technical knowledge and partnerships with suppliers, this can be a lucrative business with a steady growth trajectory.

2. Film Production Assistant or Support Services

• Idea: With the potential growth of the local film industry, including international productions from actors like Jacob Scipio, there’s room for side hustles in film production support. This could involve providing on-set services such as location scouting, set design, or even managing logistics like transportation and catering for film crews.

• Why It’s High Value: The film industry pays well for support services, and there’s an opportunity to build long-term relationships with local and international filmmakers. This side hustle requires minimal upfront investment, relying more on organizational skills, local knowledge, and an ability to network with production teams.

3. Custom Eco-Tourism Experiences

• Idea: The entry of luxury travel operators like Abercrombie & Kent signals a growing tourism market in Guyana. Individuals can create bespoke eco-tourism experiences, such as personalized guided tours, jungle adventures, or wildlife photography experiences, targeting affluent visitors. These experiences could be marketed through partnerships with hotels or online platforms.

• Why It’s High Value: Tourism is a high-margin industry, especially in eco-tourism, where visitors are willing to pay premium prices for unique, immersive experiences. As the sector grows, building a reputation for tailored, high-quality tours could lead to recurring business. This side hustle can be started with minimal capital and scaled over time.

Each of these side hustle ideas taps into sectors that are growing alongside Guyana’s expanding economy, offering high earning potential with a relatively low entry barrier.