Gov’t Challenges Exxon’s $279M in Stabroek Block Expenses

The Government of Guyana is disputing US$279 million in oil-related expenses claimed by ExxonMobil and partners from 1999 to 2023. Three cost recovery audits found discrepancies, including a US$214M dispute for 1999–2017 and US$65.1M for 2018–2020. Exxon has until May 31 to respond, with final reports available online. The audits mark a critical push for transparency in Guyana’s growing petroleum sector.

Afreximbank Deepens Afro-Caribbean Economic Ties

Afreximbank held its first Caribbean roadshow in Georgetown to promote trade and investment between Africa and the Caribbean. With 12 CARICOM nations signed on and a new office in Barbados, the bank aims to finance infrastructure, manufacturing, and energy projects. Its IMPACT 2026 strategy supports Afro-Caribbean industrialization and economic integration under the AfCFTA framework.

Key Quote: “The vision of Africa and the Caribbean uniting is no longer a dream—it’s a bankable opportunity.” – Okechukwu Iherjirika

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Top 3 Small Enterprise Opportunities

1. LCDS-Funded Infrastructure Subcontracting

Why: The government plans to reimburse Indigenous communities for roads and bridges built using LCDS funds and favors awarding contracts to capable local groups.
Opportunity: Small Indigenous-owned construction or transport support businesses (e.g., grading, backhoe services, materials supply) can formalize operations to become subcontractors.
Note: Priority will be given to communities with machinery and technical capabilities already in place.

2. Calibration and Maintenance Services for Speed Enforcement Tech

Why: The GNBS is actively verifying newly installed speed cameras across the country, with 2,000+ already in use.
Opportunity: Start a small, GNBS-certified firm offering periodic calibration, diagnostics, and repair services for automated enforcement systems, especially in rural or remote regions.
Note: Partnerships with GNBS or subcontracting from tech firms could offer recurring revenue.

3. Local Agro-Processing in Remote Communities

Why: Honey production, shade houses, and fish farming are being expanded in villages like Kamarang.
Opportunity: Small agri-processors can offer bottling, labeling, and packaging services for these new micro-industries, helping remote producers move from raw to finished goods.
Note: Support from the Office of the Prime Minister and LCDS grants can subsidize equipment costs.

Top 3 Medium Enterprise Opportunities

1. Energy-Efficient Construction Firms in Linden & Indigenous Regions

Why: Linden’s grid is expanding with a new solar farm and future hydropower supply. Simultaneously, Region Eight is targeted for improved infrastructure and school construction.
Opportunity: Firms offering solar-ready, prefab, or modular construction can capitalize on the education and energy mandates.
Note: The Education Ministry is canceling poor contracts—new providers can enter with stronger performance guarantees.

2. Local Industrial Parks for Light Manufacturing

Why: Afreximbank is promoting Caribbean-African industrial cooperation with financing tools and technical models for value-added manufacturing (e.g., wood processing in Gabon).
Opportunity: Launching a small industrial park in Berbice or Essequibo for agro-processing, furniture, or local raw material transformation would attract Afreximbank and GoG support.
Note: Tie this to Guyana’s push for local content in oil & gas to unlock further incentives.

3. Compliance & Trade Advisory for Exporters

Why: Guyana’s integration with Afreximbank and U.S.-Caribbean trade talks means more SMEs will need help navigating export logistics, compliance, and payment systems.
Opportunity: Establish a firm that assists exporters with certification, documentation, and risk mitigation to access African, U.S., or CARICOM markets.
Note: Collaboration with AmCham and GNBS can fast-track legitimacy.

Top 3 Large Enterprise Opportunities

1. Continental Logistics & Trade Facilitation Company

Why: Afreximbank cited poor air and sea logistics between Africa and the Caribbean as a major barrier.
Opportunity: A large logistics firm can establish multi-modal transport solutions, bonded warehouses, and trade corridors linking Guyana to West Africa and CARICOM.
Note: Consider partnerships with Port Everglades, PortMiami, or investors via Afreximbank.

2. Clean Energy Infrastructure for Remote Regions

Why: Linden is moving to solar and hydro. The government also plans to connect Regions Eight and Nine via roads and infrastructure.
Opportunity: Develop decentralized mini-grids or hybrid energy solutions for remote Indigenous and mining towns using solar, micro-hydro, or bioenergy.
Note: Position for carbon credits under LCDS and partnership with the Gas-to-Energy project.

3. Regional Industrial Financing Arm (in partnership with Afreximbank)

Why: With formal CARICOM-AU cooperation, the time is ripe for establishing a Caribbean Industrial Development Fund or financial institution.
Opportunity: A well-capitalized firm or consortium could co-establish a Guyana-based fund focused on co-financing large infrastructure, manufacturing, and energy projects with Afreximbank.
Note: Use the regional office in Barbados as a hub, but anchor implementation and due diligence in Guyana.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Local Logistics Coordinator for Rural Infrastructure Projects

Why it works:
The government is pushing infrastructure in Indigenous communities and hinterlands, especially with new funding from LCDS and energy expansions in Linden. However, many villages lack administrative capacity to manage procurement, delivery, and equipment mobilization.

What to do:
Act as a freelance coordinator to link Indigenous village councils with suppliers, truckers, and technical workers. You earn a commission for every successful job (road material delivery, equipment rental, etc.).

What you need:
A phone, basic coordination skills, and relationships with transporters and hardware suppliers. You can operate remotely with WhatsApp and make arrangements after your 9–5 job.

2. Product Sourcing Agent for Imports/Exports with Afreximbank Focus

Why it works:
Afreximbank is opening Afro-Caribbean trade lanes and encouraging South-South commerce. Most Guyanese businesses don’t know how to access African goods or offer their own to African buyers.

What to do:
Start a sourcing and liaison service connecting small local producers (honey, processed fruits, hardwoods) with import/export leads to Africa and vice versa. You take a fee for successful match-making or handle the process for a percentage of deal value.

What you need:
Internet access, willingness to research, and networking skills. No inventory needed. Tap into AmCham or Afreximbank briefings for leads.

3. Speed Camera Ticket Settlement Service

Why it works:
GNBS has confirmed 2,000+ automated speed tickets have already been issued. Many people don’t understand the digital ticket system or how to pay via MMG.

What to do:
Offer a simple “ticket settlement” service where people WhatsApp you their ticket number and you process their payment for a small service fee (e.g. $300 GYD per ticket). You could scale this via a Facebook page or in partnership with taxi drivers.

What you need:
MMG account, a smartphone, and trust in your community. Could be run from your home with no inventory.