Afreximbank Roadshow Comes to Guyana with $1B Local Content Boost

Afreximbank will host a landmark roadshow in Georgetown on May 21–22 aimed at enhancing Guyanese participation in oil & gas. With a $1 billion facility targeted at local businesses and a history of deals like a $100M trade finance agreement with JE Energy, the bank seeks to deepen African-Caribbean ties and promote inclusive growth. The event will spotlight financial tools to elevate local SMEs in the energy value chain.

Guyana Expands Forest Monitoring to Tap Climate Finance

Guyana, in collaboration with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) and the UK PACT program, has launched a major expansion of its Monitoring, Reporting and Verification Systems (MRVS). The project aims to enhance carbon reporting, sustainable forest management, and unlock up to GBP £46 million in climate finance. It will cover 33,000 hectares and boost data sharing across government agencies, especially under the REDD+ framework. This positions Guyana as a key low-carbon leader, while strengthening investor confidence in sustainability-linked projects.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Top 3 Opportunities for Small Enterprises

1. Digital Security & Fraud Prevention Services

Opportunity: Provide affordable digital security audits, fraud detection, and identity verification services to local banks, credit unions, and businesses, especially in light of the $36 million fraud case.
Note: Small tech firms can offer tailored solutions for institutions that lack internal cybersecurity capacity. Training packages for ATM card fraud prevention would also be highly relevant.

2. Rural Water System Maintenance & Repair

Opportunity: Form a mobile plumbing and repair service specializing in maintaining new well systems across hinterland regions, particularly in Regions 1, 7, 8, and 9.
Note: With over 100 wells recently drilled and more planned, GWI will need decentralized support partners. This can be funded through government CSO (Community Service Officer) training contracts or subcontracting from NGOs.

3. Poultry-Based Food Micro-Enterprise

Opportunity: Establish low-cost, value-added poultry product businesses (e.g. seasoned cuts, meal kits) in response to CARICOM’s push to strengthen the regional poultry industry.
Note: The Caribbean Poultry Association has regional support, and micro-enterprises could benefit from incubation hubs or CPA partnerships.

Top 3 Opportunities for Medium Enterprises

1. Remote Learning Support Platforms & Hardware Distribution

Opportunity: Build a business around servicing students and institutions under GOAL with hardware supply (laptops, routers) and tech support services, especially for rural areas.
Note: Over 6,700 graduates this year, growing annually, signals a demand for better online learning infrastructure and local support.

2. Housing Development & Turnkey Home Packages

Opportunity: Launch a housing development firm targeting middle-income families that leverages the new GYD $30M NBS mortgage limit and 5% capped interest rate.
Note: Bundle prefab or hybrid builds with mortgage application support to reduce friction for first-time homeowners. Include sustainable housing elements to attract added interest.

3. Carbon Monitoring & Forest Management Subcontracting

Opportunity: Offer services such as GIS mapping, drone-based forest surveillance, and data analysis tools under the MRVS expansion project with GGGI and UK PACT.
Note: Medium-sized environmental consultancies or tech-forward firms can benefit from this public-private funding ecosystem.

Top 3 Opportunities for Large Enterprises

1. Hinterland Infrastructure & Utility Development

Opportunity: Bid for water distribution infrastructure expansion, especially in Regions 1, 7, and 9 where major public investments are underway.
Note: With over GYD $5.5B already spent and more planned, this is an ideal moment for construction giants and engineering firms to position for multi-year contracts.

2. Regional Poultry Supply Chain Consolidation

Opportunity: Acquire or partner with fragmented poultry producers across CARICOM to consolidate supply, improve cold chain logistics, and create vertically integrated operations.
Note: The "25 by 2025" goal extended to 2030 means there's strong political will and likely funding support from regional bodies for reducing imports.

3. Private Sector Education Partnerships with GOAL

Opportunity: Establish accredited training centers in partnership with GOAL for applied technical and vocational courses (e.g. bridge engineering, healthcare analytics).
Note: This plays into long-term national workforce planning and could be eligible for government subsidies or CSR alignment with major employers in oil, construction, and health sectors.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Remote Learning Support & Assignment Editing Service

What: Offer paid assistance to GOAL students for editing assignments, formatting, and virtual tutoring support in high-demand subjects like healthcare analytics, education, or business.
Why it works: Over 6,700 graduates this year means a booming base of adult learners who need help balancing studies with work and family. Many may not have academic writing skills or stable Wi-Fi for research.
Execution: Operate part-time from home via WhatsApp, email, and Google Docs. Charge per assignment or by the hour. No upfront capital needed.

2. Water Supply Micro-Contractor in Hinterland & Rural Areas

What: Become a part-time independent agent who helps transport, install, or repair small water tanks, pumps, or plumbing fixtures in areas benefiting from the new GYD $5.5B water infrastructure investment.
Why it works: Regions 1, 7, 8, and 9 are seeing massive upgrades and local support is needed for distribution and minor works. GWI and community CSOs can’t cover all demands.
Execution: Use weekends or off-days to run errands, install equipment, or fix small leaks. Partner with hardware suppliers or plumbers. Great for someone with hands-on skills or transport.

3. Local Poultry-Based Meal Prep Business

What: Prep and deliver affordable seasoned poultry packs, pre-cooked meals, or frozen options from home on evenings or weekends. Target working families in your community.
Why it works: CARICOM’s food security push and poultry focus means rising awareness and potential for regional branding. It’s also Guyana’s most consumed meat and an easy market to tap into.
Execution: Start with 5–10 weekly orders. Use social media for local marketing. Partner with a nearby poultry seller for low-cost input. Expand into catering or weekend market stalls over time.