“Mango Madness” Project to Boost Agro-Processing in Region 9

The “Mango Madness” Project in Region 9, launched by the Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) and The Consultancy Group (TCG), aims to transform locally grown fruits—such as mangoes, jamoons, cashews, and citrus—into high-value processed products like dried fruit, jams, juices, and concentrates. With an agro-processing facility at its core, the initiative will reduce fruit wastage, create jobs (particularly for hinterland women), and generate new income streams for local farmers. Regional Chairman Bryan Allicock emphasized the project’s role in strengthening agro-processing capabilities, fostering rural entrepreneurship, and enhancing food security. This initiative aligns with GGI’s broader commitment to Guyana’s development, alongside other projects like the Hinterland Poultry “Egg Sandwich” Project and HPV screening programs, supporting economic diversification and sustainability in the region.

ExxonMobil Eyes Massive Gas Development in Guyana

ExxonMobil is seeking approval for its Longtail Development Project in the Stabroek Block, planning to drill up to 60 production and injection wells and extract between 1 billion and 1.5 billion cubic feet of gas per day. The project will also produce 290,000 barrels of condensate per day and utilize a massive floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel. Stakeholder consultations are scheduled for later this month as Guyana pushes forward with gas monetization initiatives.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises (SMEs)

1. Agro-Processing & Specialty Food Production (Mango Madness Project)

• Opportunity: The Mango Madness Project in Region 9 highlights the increasing focus on value-added agro-processing. Small businesses can set up boutique fruit processing units specializing in dried fruits, jams, and juice concentrates.

• Execution: Start small by sourcing excess local fruits and working with established agro-processing facilities or cottage industries.

• Challenges: Access to drying equipment and regulatory compliance for food safety. Potential solutions include collaborating with local cooperatives or accessing government grants.

2. Digital Health Support Services (EHR System Rollout)

• Opportunity: The Ministry of Health's plan to train 250 digital health technicians to manage the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system opens up the demand for independent IT consultants to assist healthcare facilities with data migration, training, and troubleshooting.

• Execution: Entrepreneurs can start an EHR implementation consulting business, offering hospitals and clinics on-the-ground IT support.

• Challenges: Understanding medical data security and regulatory compliance. A potential workaround is partnering with healthcare IT experts or securing subcontracts from larger IT firms.

3. Sustainable Packaging & Food Preservation (Exxon’s Gas-to-Energy Project)

• Opportunity: With natural gas and byproducts being developed in Guyana, small businesses can explore sustainable packaging solutions, such as biodegradable food containers, LPG-fueled food drying, and energy-efficient preservation methods.

• Execution: Set up small-scale sustainable packaging or eco-friendly dehydrated food businesses using locally available materials.

• Challenges: High startup costs and competition with imported packaging materials. Partnerships with larger agro-processors can mitigate risks.

Medium Enterprises (MEs)

1. Affordable & Tech-Enabled Housing Solutions (House Lot Scam Incident)

• Opportunity: The exposure of a house lot scam signals high demand for affordable and accessible housing solutions. A trusted, tech-enabled real estate platform could verify listings and provide transparency.

• Execution: Develop a real estate platform or agency specializing in affordable homes, integrating blockchain-based property verification and digital escrow services.

• Challenges: Regulatory hurdles and market trust issues. Partnering with established real estate firms or government housing agencies can provide credibility.

2. Public Transport Fleet Upgrades & Commuter App (Minibus Lawlessness Crackdown)

• Opportunity: With the public demanding better transportation standards, a private minibus fleet service with strict safety and customer service protocols could thrive.

• Execution: Develop a fleet management service or app-based ride-hailing service offering a premium minibus experience, including fixed fares, music-free rides, and trained drivers.

• Challenges: High capital investment in vehicles and driver compliance. Strategic partnerships with corporate employers for employee shuttle services could guarantee steady revenue.

3. Offshore Logistics & Equipment Leasing (Exxon’s Longtail Project)

• Opportunity: ExxonMobil’s Longtail Development will require logistics, heavy equipment rentals, and offshore support services.

• Execution: Set up a logistics firm specializing in offshore transportation, including supply vessel rentals and onshore equipment leasing.

• Challenges: Strict safety regulations and capital-intensive operations. Collaborating with international offshore service providers could bring technology transfer opportunities.

Large Enterprises (LEs)

1. Large-Scale Gas Processing & Distribution (Exxon’s Gas Expansion)

• Opportunity: Exxon’s 1B-1.5B cubic feet/day gas production offers an opportunity for natural gas processing, LPG production, and industrial energy solutions.

• Execution: Invest in a gas processing and distribution company, supplying compressed natural gas (CNG) for transport, LPG for cooking, and industrial gas solutions.

• Challenges: Infrastructure development and policy alignment. Partnerships with government energy planners could accelerate project approvals.

2. Smart Infrastructure & Digital Health Management (EHR System & Health Training Initiative)

• Opportunity: As Guyana digitizes its health sector, there is room for large-scale investments in smart hospitals, telemedicine, and AI-driven healthcare management.

• Execution: Develop a cloud-based digital health management system, offering telehealth services, AI-driven diagnostics, and remote patient monitoring.

• Challenges: Government integration and public trust. Collaborating with international health tech firms could improve adoption.

3. Deepwater Port Development & Maritime Security (G7 Warning on Venezuela)

• Opportunity: The G7’s warning to Venezuela signals a need for enhanced port security, logistics hubs, and maritime infrastructure.

• Execution: Invest in a private deepwater port facility or coastal surveillance infrastructure supporting Guyana’s offshore energy sector.

• Challenges: Geopolitical risks and high capital expenditure. Partnering with international defense and logistics firms could help secure financing.

Final Thoughts

Guyana’s energy, digital transformation, and agro-processing industries are at an inflection point. Small businesses can capitalize on tech-driven services, medium enterprises can scale logistics and real estate solutions, and large corporations should look at long-term infrastructure plays in energy and security.

The time to act is now, as government policies, foreign investments, and local market trends align to create new high-growth opportunities.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Specialty Agro-Processing – Small-Scale Dried Fruits & Healthy Snacks

Why? The Mango Madness Project and increasing focus on value-added agriculture in Region 9 highlight the growing market for processed fruit products, such as dried mango, cashews, citrus, and jams.

How to Start:

• Partner with local farmers or buy excess fruit at low cost during peak seasons.

• Use a small food dehydrator (costing $200-$500 USD) to dry fruit and package it for local supermarkets, gyms, and online sales.

• Target health-conscious consumers and hospitality businesses looking for high-quality local products.

Growth Potential:

• Expand into corporate gift baskets, mixed fruit packs, and premium snack bars.

• Export opportunities to the Caribbean market, especially if you offer preservative-free and organic options.

2. Mobile Fleet & VIP Transport Service – High-End Minibus Rides for Professionals

Why? Today’s public transportation crackdown highlights the demand for premium, reliable, and safe transport options. Most people dislike overcharging, reckless driving, and loud music in minibuses but have no alternative.

How to Start:

• If you own a well-maintained sedan or small van, register as a VIP private transport service for corporate professionals and business travelers.

• Offer flat-rate pricing and premium customer service (silent rides, WiFi, bottled water, and advance bookings).

• Focus on airport transfers, business executives, and night-time safety rides for women and families.

Growth Potential:

• Scale by hiring other drivers and offering corporate shuttle contracts.

• Build an exclusive ride-hailing service catering to the growing middle and upper-class market.

3. Smart Home & Small Business Security Services – Affordable Surveillance Systems

Why? With Guyana’s economic growth and security concerns, more businesses and homeowners are looking for affordable, locally supported security systems.

How to Start:

• Invest in basic WiFi-enabled security cameras and motion-sensor alarms (starting from $100 USD per unit).

• Offer installation services for small businesses, home offices, and shop owners who need cost-effective security solutions.

• Market your services through social media, WhatsApp groups, and business networks.

Growth Potential:

• Expand into monthly security monitoring services and smart home automation setups.

• Offer subscription-based security packages for businesses that need 24/7 monitoring and backup storage.

Final Thoughts

These side hustles are practical, profitable, and scalable in Guyana’s current economic climate. They require low initial investment, fill growing market gaps, and have high-income potential with proper execution.

For best results:

1. Start lean – use existing resources before making large investments.

2. Leverage social media & word-of-mouth to attract customers.

3. Focus on quality & reliability to build long-term trust and growth.

The right side hustle today could turn into a full-time business in the future.