Guyana’s economic outlook favourable, Gov’t committed to prudent policies – IMF

The IMF’s 2025 Article IV Consultation report praises Guyana’s transformation into the fastest-growing economy globally, with real GDP expanding at an average of 47 percent annually since 2022—driven by a 58 percent jump in oil output and over 13 percent growth in non-oil sectors. Inflation edged up to 2.9 percent by end-2024, largely due to higher food prices, while the fiscal deficit widened to 7.3 percent of GDP amid robust capital spending. External buffers strengthened considerably, with reserves surpassing US $1 billion and the Natural Resource Fund reaching US $3.1 billion (12.5 percent of GDP).

Looking ahead, real GDP is forecast to grow 14 percent annually over the next five years, underpinned by continued oil production gains and non-oil expansions. Inflation is expected to moderate around 4 percent in 2025, with the fiscal and current account balances narrowing. The IMF highlighted balanced risks: upside from further oil discoveries and productivity gains, and downside from overheating pressures, exchange-rate appreciation, and global commodity volatility. Policymakers are urged to maintain tight fiscal and monetary stances, deepen financial markets, and strengthen macroprudential frameworks to safeguard stability and intergenerational equity — Source: News Room Guyana.

$192M Railway Embankment Expansion Nears Completion

Guyana's US$192 million Railway Embankment Road expansion, funded by the Exim Bank of China, is nearing its October 2025 completion. Public Works Minister Juan Edghill has urged the last remaining homeowners to relocate, as 103 of 108 affected residents have already settled. The project includes four-lane expansions, 22 culverts, and 48 bridges to ease traffic and support industrialization along the East Coast.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Small Enterprise Opportunities

1. Digital Onboarding Assistance & ID Verification Services

Opportunity: Scotiabank’s re-entry and focus on digital onboarding via its app creates a niche for local micro-service providers to help less tech-savvy clients (e.g. older customers, rural residents) open accounts and complete KYC compliance steps.

Why Now: Banks are automating services, but many citizens need in-person assistance. A small kiosk or mobile agent model can scale cheaply.

Execution Note: Partner with community centers or mobile tech vendors to serve as fintech literacy touchpoints.

2. Rose Packaging, Cold Chain & Local Florist Distribution

Opportunity: With the Cut Rose Project expanding and a proposed MOU with Colombia in play, small businesses can focus on packaging solutions, bouquet prep, and cold transport of roses to local supermarkets, florists, and events.

Why Now: Local floriculture is growing, but supply chain handling is underdeveloped.

Execution Note: Use small refrigerated vans or partner with grocery retailers for shelf space.

3. Truck Cleaning & Tailgate Repair Services

Opportunity: Jagdeo’s directive to truckers to reduce dust and noise opens the door for small roadside services—cleaning tailgates, fixing noisy latches, or installing silencers and dust suppressors.

Why Now: Public pressure and compliance checks are increasing. Simple services will be in demand.

Execution Note: Target contractors and subcontractors on ECD and offer on-site services.

Medium Enterprise Opportunities

1. Hinterland Eco-Tourism & Travel Packages

Opportunity: The opening of the Banobo Guest House in Mabaruma and new solar infrastructure indicates increased accessibility and interest in Region One. Mid-sized tourism operators can create structured travel packages tied to heritage, hiking, and sustainable tourism.

Why Now: The LCDS fund has started delivering infrastructure in remote areas; capitalize early on interest in eco-tourism and government backing.

Execution Note: Offer bundled air/river transport, tour guides, and accommodation packages with cultural experiences.

2. Offshore Equipment & Talent Supply for PetroWork Expansion

Opportunity: As PetroWork enters Guyana, medium enterprises can provide leased equipment, workforce training, or housing services for offshore workers.

Why Now: New market entrant = new demand. PetroWork’s regional focus will need on-ground support systems.

Execution Note: Position as a service subcontractor offering safety gear, language translation, HSE compliance training, or workforce housing.

3. Digital Floriculture Retail & Delivery Platform

Opportunity: Create a Shopify-like platform to sell locally grown roses from the Cut Rose Project to consumers across Guyana.

Why Now: Consumers want fresh flowers but lack digital access to order them. The floriculture industry is growing without proper digital sales channels.

Execution Note: Build a basic e-commerce site or app that integrates with mobile payments (e.g. MMG), with delivery services in Georgetown and coastal hubs.

Large Enterprise Opportunities

1. Logistics & Freight Hub for African Energy Services Expansion

Opportunity: With PetroWork using Guyana as a regional base for operations, large enterprises can invest in logistics hubs near port zones or industrial parks to provide warehousing, customs brokerage, and heavy transport.

Why Now: Guyana is becoming the regional service HQ for oil; early movers will be well-positioned to serve both Guyana and Suriname.

Execution Note: Structure as a bonded warehouse + port-linked operation with heavy-lift capability and cross-border logistics licensing.

2. Smart Infrastructure for Road Noise, Dust, and Safety Monitoring

Opportunity: Design and deploy IoT-enabled solutions to monitor truck noise, emissions, dust levels, and road safety compliance, which can be sold to the government or private contractors.

Why Now: Vice President Jagdeo’s directives open space for regulatory tech to ensure compliance on construction-heavy corridors like ECD.

Execution Note: Partner with ministries to offer data dashboards, sensors, and real-time reporting as part of PPPs or B2G contracts.

3. AgriTech Partnership with Colombia for Floriculture Innovation Park

Opportunity: Establish a public-private floriculture R&D park in partnership with the Government of Guyana and Colombian technical advisors.

Why Now: The MOU with Colombia provides a gateway to high-yield, climate-resilient rose varieties and advanced hydroponic systems.

Execution Note: Invest in greenhouses, tissue culture labs, and export infrastructure. Focus on high-margin international markets (Caribbean resorts, diaspora gifting platforms, etc.)

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Digital Banking Onboarding Assistant

What It Is: Offer personalized assistance to individuals unfamiliar with digital banking platforms, helping them set up and navigate online banking services.

Why It Works: With Scotiabank resuming account openings in Guyana and emphasizing digital onboarding, there's a growing need for support among those less tech-savvy.

How to Start:

• Promote services through local community centers and social media platforms.

• Offer in-person or virtual sessions guiding users through account setup and digital banking features.

Earnings Potential: Charge a modest fee per session; scalability through group workshops or partnerships with local organizations.

2. Floriculture Packaging and Delivery Service

What It Is: Provide specialized packaging and delivery solutions for locally grown roses and other flowers, catering to florists and event planners.

Why It Works: With the expansion of the Cut Rose Project and potential collaborations with Colombian floriculture experts, there's an increasing demand for efficient distribution channels.

How to Start:

• Collaborate with local flower growers to understand their packaging needs.

• Invest in basic packaging materials and establish a reliable delivery route within Georgetown and surrounding areas.

Earnings Potential: Charge per delivery or offer subscription-based services to regular clients; potential for growth by expanding to other regions.

3. Eco-Tourism Micro-Guide

What It Is: Offer guided tours focusing on local attractions, culture, and natural sites, providing authentic experiences to tourists and locals.

Why It Works: The opening of new guest houses, like the Banobo Guest House in Mabaruma, indicates a push towards sustainable tourism in Guyana's hinterland regions.

How to Start:

• Design unique tour packages highlighting local history, cuisine, and natural beauty.

• Promote services through travel forums, social media, and partnerships with local accommodations.

Earnings Potential: Charge per tour; opportunities for tips and repeat business; potential to expand services or hire additional guides as demand grows.