Agriculture Takes Center Stage at Guyana Energy Conference Village

As Guyana’s economy booms with oil, agriculture remains a cornerstone of the country’s diversification strategy. The inaugural Conference Village at the Kingston Seawall Esplanade, part of the Guyana Energy Conference & Expo, is showcasing local agro-processors and agricultural innovations to international investors. With over 200 companies participating in the conference, CEO Kiana Wilburg and Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha stressed that while oil is lucrative, agriculture has seen rapid expansion, with over 4,000 new agro-processed products entering the market in recent years

Guyana Plans “Iconic” Vreed-en-Hoop Port Development

President Irfaan Ali has announced plans to transform the Vreed-en-Hoop Stelling into a modern port facility, aligning with efforts to expand Guyana’s shipping and logistics capabilities. A similar project is planned for Parika, with funds set aside in the national budget. The move comes as the country positions itself as a regional logistics hub, targeting markets in northern Brazil and beyond.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprises (SE)

1. Audit & Compliance Support Services

   • With ExxonMobil facing intense scrutiny over cost oil audits and local auditors playing a greater role, small businesses can provide accounting, forensic auditing, and compliance consulting services.

   • Many local firms may lack the expertise to conduct large-scale audits independently. SEs can partner with international firms to provide on-the-ground support for oil and gas sector compliance.

2. Specialized Workforce Training & Placement

   • The U.S. Ambassador highlighted the labor shortage and the need for workforce development.

   • A small enterprise can offer technical skills training programs focused on logistics, shipbuilding, emergency healthcare, and local content areas such as welding, scaffolding, and mechanical repairs.

   • These training programs can be structured as short-term courses or certification programs in collaboration with government and private sector players.

3. Logistics Support for Deep-Water Port & Shipping Industry

   • With Guyana actively pursuing a deep-water port and expansion in shipbuilding, small firms can specialize in providing logistics and auxiliary services such as customs brokerage, port cleaning, tug & barge coordination, and supply chain optimization.

   • There is also a niche for tech-based logistics tracking solutions, which could integrate with existing systems at the port.

Medium Enterprises (ME)

1. Oil & Gas Industry Supplier & Service Provider

   • With ExxonMobil expanding its projects, there is demand for industrial equipment supply, maintenance, and safety gear provision for offshore and onshore operations.

   • Medium enterprises can capitalize on this by forming strategic partnerships with international firms that need local representation to meet Guyana’s local content requirements.

2. Infrastructure Development & Civil Works

   • The expansion of Vreed-en-Hoop and Parika into major port and logistics hubs presents opportunities in construction, dredging, road rehabilitation, and waste management services.

   • ME-level construction firms can bid on government contracts related to maritime infrastructure development, drainage improvement, and utility installations.

3. Healthcare Logistics & Emergency Response Equipment

   • The government’s push to revamp emergency healthcare presents an opportunity for businesses to import, distribute, and maintain emergency medical equipment, including ambulances, defibrillators, and diagnostic tools.

   • MEs could also develop emergency response centers that act as dispatch hubs for remote areas, particularly for oil operations offshore.

Large Enterprises (LE)

1. Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering

   • The government’s ambitions to position Guyana as a shipbuilding hub create an opportunity for large-scale manufacturing and dry-docking operations.

   • This would require significant investment, but a joint venture with international shipbuilders could accelerate the process, with a focus on servicing both offshore oil rigs and regional maritime logistics.

2. Energy & Port Development

   • The planned deep-water port in Berbice and the need for expanded port facilities in Vreed-en-Hoop create significant opportunities for large companies to invest in:

     • Maritime infrastructure (wharves, cargo handling facilities, container storage)

     • Renewable energy integration (solar-powered port systems, hybrid fuel sources)

     • Specialized oil & gas storage solutions

3. Advanced Workforce Development & Education Infrastructure

   • Given Guyana’s labor shortages in key industries, large enterprises could invest in vocational schools and higher education institutions specializing in oil and gas, logistics, shipbuilding, and emergency healthcare.

   • A public-private partnership (PPP) with the government could see the establishment of a technical training institute that feeds talent directly into key industries.

Final Thoughts

• The oil and gas sector dominates Guyana’s business environment, but downstream opportunities in logistics, training, and compliance services offer highly profitable avenues for smaller businesses.

• Infrastructure remains a major focus, particularly in maritime, healthcare, and emergency services, making construction and engineering services lucrative for medium and large businesses.

• The labor shortage presents opportunities for businesses that can bridge the skills gap through education, workforce development, and training partnerships with international firms.

By aligning business initiatives with government priorities, local content laws, and emerging economic sectors, companies at every scale can find high-growth, sustainable opportunities in Guyana.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Regulatory Compliance & Business Documentation Services

• Why It’s a Big Opportunity: With ExxonMobil and other international companies facing scrutiny over cost oil audits and regulatory compliance, small businesses and entrepreneurs will also need to ensure proper documentation and tax filings to avoid penalties.

• How to Monetize It:

  • Offer freelance audit preparation, compliance documentation, and tax advisory services for small businesses.

  • Assist businesses in registering for government tenders, filing VAT returns, and preparing payroll documentation.

  • Partner with attorneys and accountants to provide an affordable service package to businesses that lack in-house expertise.

• Initial Investment: Low—requires basic business registration, marketing, and networking.

2. Mobile Maritime Logistics Support

• Why It’s a Big Opportunity: With Guyana pushing for a deep-water port in Berbice and expanding logistics services, there will be an increased need for small-scale transportation, customs clearance, and procurement assistance.

• How to Monetize It:

  • Offer “On-Demand Port Runner Services”—a service where businesses or ship crews can request assistance in sourcing local supplies, processing customs documents, or securing quick transportation.

  • Start a small boat taxi or ferry service in areas with high maritime activity, such as Vreed-en-Hoop or Berbice.

  • Provide courier services between maritime suppliers and offshore operators, especially for small parts and urgent deliveries.

• Initial Investment: Moderate—could start with a small van for deliveries or a speedboat if targeting marine logistics.

3. Specialty Medical Equipment Rental & Home-Based Healthcare Services

• Why It’s a Big Opportunity: With Guyana ramping up emergency healthcare and telemedicine, there will be increased demand for specialized medical equipment—but most people cannot afford to buy expensive devices for short-term needs.

• How to Monetize It:

  • Rent out wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, blood pressure monitors, and basic diagnostic equipment to individuals or hospitals that need short-term solutions.

  • Offer a concierge home-care service—partner with nurses or trained caregivers to provide at-home wound care, injections, and health check-ups for elderly or disabled patients.

  • Partner with insurance companies and telemedicine providers to offer home-based monitoring services for patients with chronic conditions.

• Initial Investment: Moderate—requires purchasing some medical devices, securing partnerships with healthcare providers, and setting up a simple booking system.

Final Thoughts

Guyana’s economic boom creates massive side hustle opportunities beyond traditional retail or online sales. By focusing on regulatory needs, logistics, and healthcare, individuals can build side businesses that align with national priorities and growing industries—ensuring high demand, strong revenue potential, and long-term sustainability.