Guyana’s Rice Sector Hits Record Growth with New Markets and Gov’t Support

Guyana’s rice industry has made a strong comeback, thanks to expanded export markets and government financial support. Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha highlighted the government’s efforts to reverse previous setbacks, including a $1.8 billion investment for farmers between 2022 and 2024 and an additional $2 billion in fertilizer subsidies in 2025. New export markets in Latvia, Hungary, Lebanon, and Africa have contributed to record-breaking production of 725,282 metric tonnes in 2024, with a projected 12.4% increase for 2025. Investments in storage and precision agriculture are also expected to boost future yields.

Guyana Set to Implement Number Portability on February 10

Starting February 10, Guyanese mobile and landline subscribers will be able to switch service providers without changing their phone numbers. The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) says the move is designed to foster competition and enhance consumer choice in the telecommunications industry. The implementation follows years of planning since the sector’s liberalization in 2020. Customers seeking to switch providers will need to visit a retail store and complete porting forms, with mobile transfers taking one business day and fixed-line transfers up to five days.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises (Startups & Microbusinesses)

💡 For businesses with limited capital looking for high-impact, scalable opportunities

1. Agri-Tech & Rice Export Consultancy

• Opportunity: With Guyana’s rice sector booming and expanding into international markets, small businesses can offer agricultural consultancy services to local farmers who want to increase their yields or facilitate export logistics for smaller rice producers.

• Potential Services:

  • Advising farmers on government incentives & new rice varieties

  • Connecting smaller rice producers with exporters in Latvia, Hungary, Lebanon, and Africa

  • Offering document preparation & compliance services for international trade

• Notes: This could work as a solo consultancy or a small team with agriculture, trade compliance, and logistics expertise.

2. Mobile Money Payment Integration & Support Services

• Opportunity: With Linden Town Council pushing digital payments through MMG, businesses can offer payment setup services, training, and integration assistance for small vendors, markets, and local government offices.

• Potential Services:

  • Onboarding merchants onto MMG (application, verification, and setup)

  • Offering mobile payment customer service support for small businesses

  • Creating simple software (or collaborating with a developer) for automated bill payments for government services

• Notes: This is low-cost to start, scalable across other town councils, and can integrate with e-commerce for retailers.

3. Roadside Assistance & Towing Service (Targeting Illegal Parking Crackdown)

• Opportunity: With the government removing derelict vehicles and clamping illegally parked trucks, a private towing service could work in partnership with the authorities or offer on-demand services to businesses and individuals.

• Potential Services:

  • Emergency towing & vehicle relocation

  • Subscription-based parking solutions for businesses in hot zones like Mandela to Eccles

  • Assisting companies with fleet compliance & vehicle documentation to avoid legal troubles

• Notes: A towing service needs an initial investment in a tow truck or rental but can quickly grow through contracts with municipalities & businesses.

Medium Enterprises (Growth-Stage Businesses & SMEs)

💡 For businesses with some capital looking to scale operations in emerging markets

1. Rice Processing & Storage Solutions

• Opportunity: With record rice production and the expansion of international markets, a midsized enterprise could invest in:

  • Warehouse storage services for farmers & exporters

  • Rice milling & value-added processing (e.g., ready-to-cook packaged rice)

  • Transportation & export logistics

• Notes: Small rice producers struggle with storage & logistics—a third-party company offering consolidation services could help them scale without huge capital requirements.

2. Drainage & Irrigation Infrastructure Services

• Opportunity: The government has increased investment in drainage & irrigation (D&I) by 760%—offering prime opportunities for SMEs in:

  • Installation & maintenance of drainage pumps

  • Land clearing & water management services for housing developments

  • Precision agriculture technology (i.e., automated irrigation systems)

• Notes: Partnering with local & regional authorities or private developers can secure long-term contracts.

3. Clean Energy & Solar Training Services

• Opportunity: With government-backed training for solar photovoltaic (PV) technicians, a business can train & certify solar installers or sell/install small-scale solar solutions for households & businesses.

• Potential Services:

  • Training & certification programs (in partnership with BIT or the World Bank)

  • Solar panel installation & maintenance

  • Solar-powered irrigation systems for farmers

• Notes: Energy efficiency is a growing sector with government incentives & climate change adaptation programs supporting growth.

Large Enterprises (Corporations & Investors)

💡 For companies with significant capital & industry expertise looking for major investments

1. Telecommunications & Digital Services Expansion

• Opportunity: With number portability launching on February 10, competition in telecom services will heat up—this is a chance for a new player to enter the market or for existing telecoms to offer premium services to attract customers.

• Potential Strategies:

  • Launching affordable business telecom bundles to attract SMEs & corporate clients

  • Expanding fiber-optic broadband in underdeveloped regions

  • Investing in customer experience innovations (AI-driven service & chatbots)

• Notes: Tech-savvy businesses can also build value-added apps (e.g., business messaging platforms or cloud storage services for SMEs).

2. Large-Scale Real Estate & Warehousing for Agri Exports

• Opportunity: With Guyana’s rice production hitting records and new export markets opening, high-volume exporters will need logistics hubs.

• Potential Investments:

  • Industrial warehouses near ports for rice & agricultural goods

  • Cold storage & processing facilities for high-value exports (dehydrated fruits, premium rice)

  • Commercial trucking & freight forwarding services for exporters

• Notes: Guyana is becoming a key player in Caribbean agriculture exports—owning the logistics infrastructure could secure long-term government & corporate contracts.

3. Government & Corporate Partnerships in Climate Resilience

• Opportunity: With climate change investments (wetland conservation, drainage expansion, and sustainable agriculture) being prioritized, there’s room for corporate partnerships in:

  • Renewable energy-powered drainage & irrigation projects

  • Public-private investments in reforestation & wetland conservation

  • Sustainable real estate projects focusing on climate-adaptive urban design

• Notes: Companies with expertise in engineering, sustainable design, or renewable energy can tap into both* local government contracts** and global climate finance programs (e.g., World Bank, UN).

Final Thoughts & Strategic Insights

Key Takeaways for Businesses of All Sizes:

✅ Digital finance is growing – Businesses should integrate MMG or similar mobile payment solutions.
✅ Agri-business & logistics are booming – Infrastructure, processing, and export services will be highly profitable.
✅ Government contracts & partnerships are lucrative – Climate resilience, infrastructure, and training programs offer guaranteed revenue streams.
✅ Tech-driven services (Telecom, AI, and IoT) will thrive – The telecom sector is ripe for disruption post-number portability.

These opportunities align with government investment, economic trends, and technological shifts, making them sustainable and highly profitable for 2025 and beyond.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Business Compliance & Licensing Consultant

Help Small Businesses Get Legal Quickly

Why It Works:

• The government is expanding tax collection efforts and cracking down on businesses operating without licenses.

• Many entrepreneurs don’t know how to properly register a business, apply for permits, or meet tax obligations.

• MMG+ and other digital payment platforms are increasing the need for businesses to be compliant.

How to Monetize It:

• Offer step-by-step assistance to small business owners to:

  • Register with the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA)

  • Obtain business licenses, food handler permits, and VAT registration

  • Set up digital payment options like MMG+ and POS systems

• Charge a flat fee per service (GYD $10,000–$50,000) based on complexity.

• Target small businesses, side hustlers, food vendors, and taxi operators who need compliance but lack time or knowledge.

Scalability Tip: Once established, create a simple online portal where people can submit their documents, pay a fee, and have you process everything remotely.

2. Construction Waste & Scrap Metal Reseller

Turn Guyana’s Construction Boom Into Profit

Why It Works:

• The government is removing abandoned vehicles and construction debris, but businesses still struggle with waste disposal.

• Guyana’s rapid infrastructure growth means a rising demand for recycled metal and reusable building materials.

• Local scrapyards and recyclers will pay for aluminum, steel, copper, and even wood from demolition sites.

How to Monetize It:

• Partner with construction companies and mechanics to collect scrap metal and old building materials they would otherwise pay to dispose of.

• Sell metal scraps (copper, steel, aluminum) to local recyclers or export in bulk.

• Recycle and resell usable construction materials (wood, bricks, roofing sheets) to small-scale builders at a discount.

• Offer a mobile waste removal service to clean up small construction sites and charge per load.

Pro Tip: This can start as a weekend hustle using rented trucks, then scale into a business collecting and processing metal full-time.

3. High-End Cocktail & Premium Beverage Delivery

Serve The Growing Affluent Market With Exclusive Drinks

Why It Works:

• The hospitality sector is booming, but premium beverages are not always readily available in retail.

• High-income earners and expats are looking for exclusive wines, spirits, and cocktail kits.

• Corporate events, embassy functions, and private parties need curated drink experiences.

How to Monetize It:

• Source rare and high-end alcohol from local importers and set up an online pre-order system for premium customers.

• Offer custom cocktail gift boxes with high-end rum, garnishes (like Caribbean Cocktail’s dehydrated fruits), and mixers.

• Provide private bartending services for home events, corporate functions, and small gatherings.

• Upsell subscription cocktail kits for people who want a premium drink experience at home.

Scalability Tip: This can evolve into a niche online store specializing in high-end liquor and mixology accessories, catering to Guyana’s wealthy clientele.

Final Thoughts & Business Expansion Strategy

These three side hustles are high-value, low-cost, and positioned for growth in Guyana’s expanding economy:

• Business Compliance Consulting: Ride the wave of increasing business regulations and digital payments.

• Construction Waste & Scrap Metal Recycling: Monetize the booming construction industry’s waste.

• High-End Beverage Delivery & Mixology Services: Serve Guyana’s growing affluent market with premium drink experiences.

For maximum success, start small, test demand, and scale up once profits roll in. The best opportunities are those that solve a real problem while capitalizing on market trends—and these ideas do exactly that.