Guyana Targets Middle East as New Rice Export Market

Facing an oversupply of rice and dropping global prices, Guyana is turning its attention to the Middle East to find new markets. President Dr Irfaan Ali noted increased government support, including fertilizer subsidies and VAT exemptions on agricultural inputs, to help farmers remain profitable. Guyana produced a record 725,282 metric tonnes of rice in 2024 and aims for 804,000 metric tonnes this year.

Youth Entrepreneurship Program Launched to Boost Student Businesses

The Small Business Bureau, in collaboration with Guyana’s Ministry of Education, has initiated the 2025 Youth Entrepreneurship Program (YEP), providing crucial support for students looking to launch their own businesses. Participating students from 12 schools across eight regions will receive comprehensive training, mentorship, and financial backing to develop viable business proposals. CEO Shazim Ibrahim emphasized that the program fosters innovation and entrepreneurial thinking, equipping young Guyanese with essential skills for future success.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Opportunities for Small Enterprises

1. Solar Installation and Maintenance Services (GPL Investment in Linden)

Opportunity: Small enterprises can offer installation, maintenance, and support services linked to GPL’s solar farm projects and residential solar systems in Linden and other regions.
Note: GPL's Women in Solar Apprenticeship also creates opportunities for niche businesses, especially those led or staffed by women.

2. Rice-Based Value-Added Products (Guyana’s Rice Surplus)

Opportunity: Small businesses can explore producing rice-based snacks, cereals, beverages (e.g., rice-based beer), and gluten-free products. Leveraging local supply will reduce costs and cater to health-conscious local and export markets.
Note: Government's active support, including VAT removal on machinery and inputs, further lowers entry barriers for SMEs in agro-processing.

3. ICT & Digital Training Centres (Gov’t ICT Programme)

Opportunity: Small enterprises can establish specialized digital training and certification centres targeting youth, women, and rural communities, leveraging free training support by the government.
Note: Rapid digitalization across sectors increases demand for digital skills, positioning ICT training businesses for steady growth.

Opportunities for Medium Enterprises

1. Regional Rice Export and Distribution (Middle East Markets)

Opportunity: Medium enterprises with logistical capabilities can broker and facilitate rice exports, especially focusing on emerging markets in the Middle East and Africa.
Note: This opportunity benefits significantly from recent government initiatives and active market exploration by authorities, minimizing export entry barriers.

2. Fertilizer and Agrochemical Distribution Network (Planned Fertilizer Plant)

Opportunity: Medium-sized distributors and retail operations can secure early partnerships for distribution rights of locally-produced fertilizers and agrochemicals, optimizing supply chain efficiency and benefiting from anticipated price reductions.
Note: Investment by government into fertilizer production plants reduces reliance on imports, creating a competitive local distribution advantage.

3. Specialized Recruitment & Labour Outsourcing Services (PSC Labour Shortage)

Opportunity: With skilled labour shortages increasingly acute, medium enterprises can build professional recruitment agencies specializing in sourcing, training, and placing skilled workers in oil & gas, construction, aviation, and agricultural sectors.
Note: The private sector reports a 60% increase in labour costs, indicating strong market demand and profitability potential for recruitment solutions.

Opportunities for Large Enterprises

1. Energy Infrastructure Development (GPL Digitization & Solar Investment)

Opportunity: Large-scale enterprises can partner or tender for substantial infrastructure projects, including construction of solar farms, modernization of existing electrical substations, and rollout of digital energy management systems nationwide.
Note: GPL’s investment in advanced energy infrastructure indicates continued government spending, providing long-term opportunities in energy tech and infrastructure development.

2. Expansion into Suriname & Regional Oil Sector Services (Local Content Opportunities)

Opportunity: Large Guyanese enterprises with experience in oil and gas services can strategically expand into Suriname and other Caribbean countries anticipating similar oil-sector growth. Establishing regional subsidiaries or joint ventures would capitalize on local content advantages.
Note: The government’s encouragement for bold regional expansion supports cross-border growth and minimizes policy or regulatory risks.

3. Large-Scale Agro-Industrial Ventures (Agricultural Growth & Government Backing)

Opportunity: Large companies can establish major agro-industrial parks or integrated processing hubs for rice, fruits, vegetables, and livestock products, leveraging government incentives, subsidies, and growing regional export markets.
Note: The reported direct government investment exceeding $156 billion in agriculture and the drive to position Guyana as a regional food hub clearly underscore strong government support, lowering the risk and increasing returns on large agro-industrial projects.

These highlighted business opportunities strategically align with Guyana’s current economic trajectory, government initiatives, and regional dynamics, presenting a mix of scalable growth, lower risk due to public backing, and meaningful market demand.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Solar Maintenance and Cleaning Services

Rationale:
With GPL rolling out solar farms in Linden and other areas, there's a growing demand for maintenance and cleaning services for solar panels—essential for optimal efficiency. This side hustle can be done on weekends or evenings and requires minimal initial investment, primarily basic cleaning equipment.

How to Execute:

• Acquire basic solar panel cleaning equipment and supplies.

• Offer scheduled cleaning and simple maintenance checks on solar installations.

• Build partnerships with homeowners and small businesses installing solar systems through GPL’s expansion.

2. Rice-Based Snack & Beverage Pop-up

Rationale:
As Guyana faces a surplus of rice, creative food entrepreneurs can launch innovative pop-up snack stalls or small delivery services offering rice-based treats like rice crackers, puffed rice snacks, rice milk beverages, or rice-based smoothies. Ideal for evenings and weekends, this aligns with increased local demand for unique, healthy, and locally-sourced products.

How to Execute:

• Create a unique, attractive brand around healthy, rice-based snacks.

• Sell at local events, weekend markets, or busy city corners targeting health-conscious consumers.

• Promote online through social media platforms for delivery orders.

3. Specialized Recruitment Referrals

Rationale:
The rapid growth of industries like oil & gas, construction, and aviation has led to high demand for skilled workers. Individuals can create referral networks, linking skilled friends and acquaintances to recruitment agencies or companies, earning commission fees per successful placement. This hustle leverages personal networks and requires little to no financial investment.

How to Execute:

• Establish relationships with recruitment firms or HR departments looking for specialized skills.

• Use personal and professional networks to identify qualified individuals.

• Earn referral fees for each successful hire, creating passive income through networking.

These side hustle ideas require minimal startup costs, leverage Guyana’s rapidly expanding economy, and offer significant income potential to complement existing jobs.