US$422M Contracts Signed to Supercharge Guyana’s Energy Grid

In the largest investment in GPL’s infrastructure to date, Guyana signed US$422 million in contracts for transmission line extensions linked to the 300MW Gas-to-Energy project. Power China and Kalpataru will construct over 300 km of new transmission lines and five substations, enabling better power distribution nationwide. With growing electricity demand—over 13,000 new customers added in 2024—this project aims to meet future needs and reduce outages. Completion is expected within one year.

U.S. Hits Guyana With 38% Reciprocal Tariff

In response to a reported 76% tariff on U.S. goods, the U.S. is imposing a 38% tariff on Guyanese exports starting April 9. However, key exports—crude oil, gold, and bauxite—are exempt. Vice President Jagdeo believes discrepancies in trade data led to this decision and has pledged to engage U.S. authorities to resolve the matter. He assured local exporters of continued government support and maintained that strong U.S.-Guyana ties remain intact.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

SMALL ENTERPRISE OPPORTUNITIES

Target: Side hustles, micro-enterprises, and individuals with GYD $50,000 – $1M investment range

1. Micro-Investing Platforms for the Oil & Gas Sector

Opportunity: Build or partner with a fintech platform that allows everyday Guyanese to invest small sums (starting at GYD $50,000) into vetted oil and gas-linked ventures (logistics, services, or agriculture support).
Why now: The PPP Government’s initiative to allow small investors access to oil sector revenue is a rare democratization moment.
Notes: The platform should integrate basic financial education and perhaps piggyback on MMG+ or local credit unions for fund handling.

2. Shade House Farming Kits for Homestead Beneficiaries

Opportunity: Manufacture or import starter kits for home-based agriculture—shade house frames, soil, seed packs, irrigation.
Why now: The Homestead Programme includes 20’x40’ shade houses for low-income households, especially single mothers, to grow crops.
Notes: Consider bundling with WhatsApp/YouTube-based instructional videos and offer community installation services.

3. ICT Tutoring & Mobile Training Services

Opportunity: Launch an ICT tutoring microbusiness offering “digital literacy on demand” for small groups or home visits.
Why now: The government is expanding ICT training nationwide, and underserved rural populations are being prioritized.
Notes: Could be easily franchised or deployed via schools, churches, or youth centers; the government already provides computers.

MEDIUM ENTERPRISE OPPORTUNITIES

Target: Businesses with some capital and staff (GYD $1M–$50M range), regional operators

1. Regional Ferry Logistics & Customs Services

Opportunity: Establish a cross-border customs brokerage or logistics support company in Parika to facilitate ferry cargo movements.
Why now: CARICOM is advancing its regional ferry service, and Guyana will serve as a major hub.
Notes: Services can include customs pre-clearance, quarantine compliance, insurance processing, and bonded warehousing.

2. Frozen/Processed Foods for U.S. Export (Non-Oil)

Opportunity: Develop agro-processing ventures (frozen shrimp, seasoned fish fillets, molasses blends) targeting U.S. export.
Why now: While petroleum, gold, and bauxite are exempt from the new U.S. tariffs, other exports like fish, honey, and beverages are not. This creates a need for high-efficiency, value-added processing to offset new costs.
Notes: Work with GO-Invest and the Ministry of Agriculture to leverage trade facilitation or direct negotiations with U.S. buyers.

3. Smart City & Green Housing Support Services

Opportunity: Launch a company providing solar installations, rainwater harvesting, and composting systems to support government housing projects like Silica City and the Homestead Programme.
Why now: Projects are emphasizing sustainability, food security, and green infrastructure.
Notes: Could partner with international donors or agencies to receive subsidized equipment or training.

LARGE ENTERPRISE OPPORTUNITIES

Target: Capitalized firms, holding companies, international partners, state-linked private ventures

1. Private Equity Vehicle for Small Oil Sector Investors

Opportunity: Launch a licensed fund or holding company to aggregate small GYD $50k–$1M investments into large, managed oil services contracts (e.g. catering, transport, fabrication).
Why now: Jagdeo’s statement about “exclusive small investor vehicles” shows political will for this structure.
Notes: Requires top-tier legal and fiduciary setup but has massive PR, economic, and financial upside. Could attract diaspora money too.

2. Fish Export Facility with Tariff-Smart Strategy

Opportunity: Build a fish and seafood export processing plant focused on value-added products (e.g. ready-to-cook shrimp, skinless fillets), targeting tariff-exempt categories or higher-margin markets.
Why now: The 38% U.S. reciprocal tariff could make traditional exports less competitive unless they’re upgraded or reclassified.
Notes: Focus on traceability, sustainability certifications, and explore the EU, Canadian, or Middle Eastern markets as alternatives.

3. Regional Ferry Infrastructure & Hospitality Development at Parika Port

Opportunity: Invest in hospitality, logistics and commercial real estate near the Parika Port in anticipation of the CARICOM ferry hub.
Why now: The ferry service will increase passenger and cargo movement; Guyana’s port will be central to this.
Notes: Think ferry terminal hotels, duty-free shops, customs service plazas, and bonded warehouses. Ideal for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) structuring.

Final Thoughts

Today’s news reflects a major inflection point in Guyana’s economy:

• Inclusion: The government is actively trying to bring small investors and rural citizens into big projects.

• Infrastructure Growth: Homesteads, ferry networks, Silica City, and ICT expansion will all reshape regional economies.

• Export Volatility: U.S. trade relations are shifting, and only exporters who adapt quickly (value-add, diversify, restructure) will thrive.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Digital Farming Assistant for Homestead Beneficiaries

Overview:
Offer a freelance service helping single mothers and new landowners in the Homestead Programme set up and manage their backyard farming—especially the 20x40 ft shade houses.

What You Do:

• Help plan and plant crops (lettuce, pak choi, pepper, etc.)

• Build or maintain low-cost irrigation using plastic drums or PVC piping

• Offer monthly “check-up” visits and guidance

• Assist with selling excess produce to local markets or via WhatsApp groups

Why it works:
The government is rolling out 500 new homes equipped with garden space and shade houses. Most recipients are not experienced farmers and would gladly pay someone GYD $10,000–$15,000 per month to help them succeed and eventually repay their loans from garden profits.

Initial Investment:
GYD $20,000–$50,000 for tools and transport
Optional: Partner with a nearby seedling supplier

2. Remote Business Support & Data Entry for New Contractors

Overview:
Act as a freelance admin assistant for new small contractors (construction, agriculture, mining) who are winning public procurement bids but don’t have time or skills to handle paperwork.

What You Do:

• Fill out tenders or quotations

• Create basic Excel budgets and invoices

• Organize GRA/NIS forms

• Upload documents for submission deadlines

• Offer via WhatsApp, Facebook Marketplace, or flyer drops in regional towns

Why it works:
Thousands of new “small people contractors” are emerging from simplified public procurement and need help with basic administration. Most cannot afford a full-time office person.

Initial Investment:
Laptop + mobile data + Microsoft Office / Google Docs access
Cost: GYD $0 if you already have it
Price: Charge GYD $5,000–$15,000 per contractor per task

3. Fish & Shrimp Packaging Micro-Business (Ready for Export or Local Sales)

Overview:
Start a small operation cleaning, freezing, and vacuum-packing fish or shrimp for resale to city restaurants, diaspora buyers, or even small exporters.

What You Do:

• Buy directly from fishers (esp. in Berbice or Parika)

• Clean, portion, and pack the seafood in vacuum-sealed bags

• Offer resale to restaurants, retail customers, or diaspora networks (especially if they’re nervous about new tariffs)

Why it works:
With export markets threatened by the new US 38% tariff, there’s opportunity in domestic value-add and diaspora resale. Restaurants want quality, ready-to-cook packs. Diaspora buyers want secure, pre-packed seafood to ship via barrel or cold chain.

Initial Investment:

• Chest freezer

• Vacuum sealer (~GYD $25,000)

• Packaging bags + cooler boxes
  Expected margin: 25–40% on each resell
  Scale: Start part-time; grow into a full-time business or B2B supplier