Guyana’s Rice Sector Booms: 9M Bags of Paddy Expected in 2025’s First Crop

Guyana’s rice industry is poised for another strong year, with nine million bags of paddy expected to be harvested in the first crop of 2025, according to Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha. The government has actively supported the industry through infrastructure upgrades, VAT exemptions on agricultural inputs, and improved seed varieties. Additionally, negotiations between the government and millers resulted in a guaranteed price of $4,000 per bag for farmers, supported by a $2.7 billion government subsidy. With record-breaking rice production in 2024, the sector remains a key pillar of Guyana’s agricultural economy.

Confidence in Region Six Tendering Grows as Bids Surge 43.5%

The Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne) tendering process has seen a 43.5% increase in contractor bids, signaling rising confidence in the system. Regional Executive Officer Narindra Persaud reported a record 2,597 bids for 30 projects, including infrastructure, education, and drainage works. Some contractors invested over $1 million in documentation alone. With over $1 billion in regional contracts on the table for 2025, the administration is emphasizing transparency, ensuring a fair selection process.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises (SMEs)

1. Bid Preparation & Tendering Consultancy

• With a 43.5% increase in contractor bids in Region Six and over $1 billion in government projects, many small contractors lack expertise in preparing competitive proposals.

• A bid preparation consultancy could offer services such as documentation, pricing strategies, and compliance checks for small contractors looking to secure public sector work.

• Revenue model: Service-based with a fee per bid submission or a commission-based structure on successful tenders.

2. Low-Cost Housing Development Support Services

• The government is rapidly expanding housing projects, including 500 new house lots in Bartica and 55 homes under construction.

• Small businesses can offer affordable construction materials, prefabricated home solutions, interior finishing services, and landscaping for new homeowners.

• Revenue model: Direct-to-consumer sales, partnership with government contractors, or subscription-based home maintenance services.

3. Fraud Prevention & Business Compliance Training

• The Exxon cost oil dispute, multimillion-dollar land fraud case, and financial misconduct allegations highlight the need for better corporate governance and compliance training.

• A small consultancy specializing in fraud prevention, compliance workshops, and ethical business training could target local businesses looking to prevent legal troubles.

• Revenue model: Fee-based training sessions, corporate workshops, and government contracts for compliance education.

Medium Enterprises (Growing & Established Businesses)

1. Private Sector Infrastructure & Contracting

• Government contracts in Region Six and Bartica show increased spending on infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and housing.

• Opportunities: Mid-sized construction firms can partner with government agencies or subcontract larger projects.

• Revenue model: Direct contracts with regional authorities or partnerships with larger firms for specialized infrastructure projects.

2. Housing Finance & Mortgage Brokerage Services

• With 500+ house lots allocated in Bartica, many homeowners will need financial assistance and mortgage solutions.

• A mortgage brokerage service can partner with local banks, credit unions, and the government to facilitate home loans, provide financial literacy, and structure financing for self-employed individuals.

• Revenue model: Commission from banks/lenders, financial advisory fees, and bundled services for homeowners.

3. Land Development & Legal Advisory Firm

• The multimillion-dollar land fraud investigation and Venezuela's territorial claims emphasize the need for real estate due diligence and legal structuring of property deals.

• A firm that specializes in land ownership verification, title research, and regulatory compliance can serve investors, landowners, and developers.

• Revenue model: Fee-for-service model, subscription-based legal advisory, and partnership with banks for property transactions.

Large Enterprises (Major Investments & Scalable Ventures)

1. Energy & Infrastructure Investments

• The IMF report highlights Guyana’s focus on energy resilience and infrastructure expansion.

• Large enterprises can invest in renewable energy solutions (solar, hydro, wind), power grid improvements, and industrial infrastructure that aligns with the government’s development goals.

• Revenue model: Public-private partnerships (PPPs), government contracts, and large-scale investment projects.

2. Oil & Gas Support Services

• The Exxon cost oil dispute and Venezuela’s territorial threats highlight the critical nature of supply chain security and local oilfield services.

• Large firms can establish logistics hubs, offshore equipment rentals, security services, and compliance auditing for oil companies operating in Guyana.

• Revenue model: Long-term contracts with oil firms, licensing agreements, and investment-backed partnerships.

3. Public-Private Partnership in Digital Governance & Compliance

• The rise in financial fraud cases and tendering reforms shows a need for digital solutions in governance and business compliance.

• Large technology firms can develop government-backed compliance platforms, e-governance tools, and fraud detection software to modernize public sector transparency.

• Revenue model: SaaS (Software as a Service) for government agencies, licensing agreements, and consulting services.

Key Takeaways & Strategic Considerations

• Guyana’s economy is expanding rapidly, driven by government spending, oil revenues, and infrastructure projects.

• Housing, real estate, and construction are major sectors to watch, with new government allocations creating immediate demand for services.

• Financial compliance, fraud prevention, and land verification services are emerging needs due to ongoing legal and business disputes.

• Oil & gas investments remain high-growth opportunities, but firms must navigate regulatory challenges and geopolitical risks.

• Digital transformation in governance and business compliance presents long-term investment opportunities for tech firms and service providers.

This is the best time for businesses to align with government projects, provide essential services, and capitalize on economic expansion in Guyana.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Real Estate Document & Title Verification Service

Why It Works

• Multimillion-dollar land fraud cases and ongoing housing developments show a huge demand for proper real estate documentation.

• Many buyers lack the legal knowledge or time to verify land titles, contracts, and property history.

How to Start

• Partner with a lawyer or real estate professional to offer low-cost document verification and land title research.

• Use public land records and legal tools to confirm property legitimacy.

• Market the service to first-time homebuyers, investors, and government land beneficiaries (like those receiving house lots in Bartica).

Earning Potential

• $10,000 – $25,000 GYD per verification

• If done on evenings & weekends, handling 5-10 clients per month could earn $100,000 – $250,000 GYD in extra income.

2. Bid Writing & Procurement Assistance for Small Contractors

Why It Works

• 43.5% increase in tender bids in Region Six means many small contractors need help preparing competitive proposals.

• The government is spending over $1 billion on contracts, but many businesses struggle with paperwork and compliance.

How to Start

• Learn the basic requirements of public tenders and procurement processes.

• Offer contractor support services including bid documentation, pricing strategy, and compliance checks.

• Target small contractors who lack an in-house admin team.

Earning Potential

• $15,000 – $50,000 GYD per bid submission

• Handling just 4-5 bids per month could generate $100,000 – $250,000 GYD in extra income.

3. Home Energy Efficiency & Solar Installation Consulting

Why It Works

• The IMF report highlights Guyana’s need for energy resilience, and housing development is accelerating.

• Homeowners are looking for ways to lower electricity bills, and solar energy is becoming more attractive.

How to Start

• Partner with solar equipment suppliers to offer affordable small-scale solar solutions (e.g., solar water heaters, lighting, and backup power).

• Provide home energy audits to help people reduce electricity costs.

• Offer installation services or refer customers to larger solar installers for a commission per sale.

Earning Potential

• $30,000 – $100,000 GYD per installation or commission

• Just 3-5 installations per month could generate $150,000 – $500,000 GYD in extra income.

Final Thoughts

These side hustles take advantage of Guyana’s growth trends in real estate, construction, and energy efficiency. They can be run on evenings and weekends, making them perfect for working professionals who want high-value extra income.

By focusing on niche services that solve real problems, these ideas minimize competition and maximize earning potential.