33,000 Acres of Coconut Cultivation Show Growth in Agriculture

Guyana's coconut industry reached 33,000 acres under cultivation in 2024, a significant increase of over 7,100 acres since 2020. The Hope Coconut Estate produced over 51,000 seedlings last year, while imports of high-yield hybrid varieties boosted production. The Agriculture Ministry’s push for value-added products like fiber and bio-fertilizers highlights the crop’s export potential in markets across the Caribbean, North America, and Europe. These efforts aim to make coconuts a leading agricultural product in Guyana.

$12B Deal to Improve Coastal Water Supply Signed with Caribbean Development Bank

The Ministry of Housing and Water has secured a $12 billion contract with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to expand water treatment facilities along Guyana's coast. This project will include constructing five new treatment facilities and aligns with a broader $28.3 billion Strategic Investment Plan aimed at modernizing water infrastructure between 2025 and 2028. It will also involve building new wells, treatment plants, and an improved transmission network, benefiting over 200,000 residents. While addressing persistent water quality complaints, the ministry urged patience as disruptions may occur during construction.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises

1. Elderly Digital Literacy Services

   • Opportunity: Launch small, localized training programs to teach seniors digital skills, such as using smartphones, online banking, and accessing government services. This aligns with the government’s initiative to narrow the digital divide for pensioners.

   • Notes: Partner with community centers or NGOs to provide subsidized training. Offer private lessons for tech-averse seniors willing to pay for personalized sessions.

2. Coconut Value-Added Products

   • Opportunity: Develop small-scale businesses focused on value-added coconut products such as oils, skincare, and bio-fertilizers using coconut husks, which the Agriculture Ministry has promoted.

   • Notes: Begin with niche products for local markets and leverage government programs that support agricultural development. A focus on organic or eco-friendly branding could target international markets.

3. Tourist Experiences Linked to the New Demerara River Bridge

   • Opportunity: Create small tour packages or businesses offering unique experiences around the bridge and surrounding areas, such as boat tours or food and drink kiosks targeting travelers.

   • Notes: With the bridge expected to spur tourism and traffic in Regions Three and Four, small enterprises can cater to increased visitors and commuters.

Medium Enterprises

1. Cuban Nurse Accommodations and Support Services

   • Opportunity: Provide housing, meal plans, and transport services for incoming Cuban nurses. With over 300 nurses arriving, there is a medium-scale opportunity to cater to this workforce.

   • Notes: This can expand into auxiliary services like cultural orientation programs or language classes for smoother integration.

2. Eco-Friendly Packaging for Coconut Industry

   • Opportunity: Supply eco-friendly packaging solutions for coconut exporters and value-added product manufacturers, aligning with the industry's growing scale and export focus.

   • Notes: Target hybrid coconut seedling suppliers and processors, offering innovative packaging to differentiate their products in international markets.

3. Tech Solutions for Smart Policing and Road Safety Initiatives

   • Opportunity: Offer tech solutions like traffic monitoring systems, digital ticketing, or mobile apps for road safety and public reporting.

   • Notes: Partner with local municipalities or law enforcement agencies under the Smart Country Program and Safer Roads Initiative. Collaborations with government or private investors could help scale solutions.

Large Enterprises

1. Renewable Energy Solutions for Coconut Processing and Beyond

   • Opportunity: Invest in renewable energy installations (e.g., solar farms or biomass energy) for large-scale coconut processing facilities or other agricultural enterprises.

   • Notes: With Guyana focusing on renewable energy under its LCDS model, align projects with government incentives and sustainability goals. This could position enterprises as leaders in green energy.

2. Infrastructure and Logistics for Demerara River Bridge Area Development

   • Opportunity: Develop industrial zones, warehouses, or logistics hubs in Regions Three and Four to capitalize on increased connectivity from the new bridge.

   • Notes: With the government projecting economic expansion in these areas, large enterprises can secure prime real estate and lead industrialization efforts.

3. Public-Private Partnerships in Healthcare

   • Opportunity: Collaborate with the government to expand healthcare facilities and services, leveraging the arrival of Cuban nurses and addressing existing nursing shortages.

   • Notes: Build or manage modern healthcare facilities or training institutes for nurses, offering both public services and premium private healthcare options.

Strategic Notes

• Cross-Sector Opportunities: All levels of business could benefit from partnerships with the government, especially in initiatives linked to technology, healthcare, and agriculture.

• Leverage Guyana’s Oil Boom: Increased public spending and economic activity offer a fertile environment for businesses across sectors. Enterprises should align with national priorities like sustainability, inclusivity, and technology.

• Export Focus: With coconut production and value-added products gaining momentum, businesses should explore export channels in the Caribbean, North America, and Europe.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Coconut-Based Micro-Products Business

• Opportunity: Tap into the booming coconut industry by creating small-scale, high-margin products such as coconut-infused soaps, candles, or hair oils.

• Why It Works: Guyana’s coconut production is expanding, and raw materials are accessible. These products have strong local demand and export potential within the Caribbean.

• Execution Plan:

  • Source coconuts locally from farms or markets.

  • Focus on organic or artisanal branding for higher value.

  • Sell through social media platforms, small retail partnerships, or at local markets.

• Expected ROI: Low start-up costs (GYD $50,000–$100,000), with significant profit margins for handcrafted, value-added products.

2. Smart Road Safety and Surveillance Accessories

• Opportunity: Sell or install affordable dashcams and personal surveillance cameras for vehicles and homes in response to the government’s push for safer roadways and smart surveillance initiatives.

• Why It Works:

  • Growing awareness of security and road safety due to government campaigns and initiatives like the Safe City Project.

  • High demand for affordable, easy-to-install tech.

• Execution Plan:

  • Source products in bulk from online wholesalers like Alibaba.

  • Market through social media, WhatsApp groups, and community safety pages.

  • Offer add-on services like installation or troubleshooting for an additional fee.

• Expected ROI: Moderate investment (GYD $100,000–$200,000), with opportunities to upsell higher-end systems to small businesses and middle-income families.

Why These Ideas Stand Out

• Accessibility: These side hustles leverage existing opportunities in growing sectors such as agriculture, technology, and healthcare.

• Scalability: They can remain side hustles or grow into full-time ventures with increasing demand.

• Alignment with National Trends: Each idea ties into Guyana’s expanding economy, government initiatives, or increasing foreign presence.