Rice Farmers Warned of Falling Prices; Gov’t Seeks New Export Markets

With global rice prices dipping, Region Six farmers are unsure about replanting. Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha says the government is actively seeking new markets—mentioning the Dominican Republic—and hopes prices rebound. The government recently subsidized prices to keep farmers paid at G$4,000/bag but warned this may not continue indefinitely.

📌 Key insight: Exporters and agribusinesses should hedge against price volatility and explore contract farming or cooperative models to ensure sustainability.

$28.7B Approved to Upgrade Power Grid Ahead of 2026 Gas-to-Energy Launch

The National Assembly has approved a G$28.7 billion supplementary allocation to fast-track upgrades to Guyana’s electricity transmission system. The project includes 155 km of 230kV double-circuit lines, three new substations, and feeder upgrades, all part of the Demerara-Berbice Interconnected System (DBIS). Canadian firm Method4 is onboard as consultant, and completion is expected within a year. These upgrades align with the 2026 launch of the GtE Project, which will cut power generation costs by 50% and double capacity—critical for business competitiveness and industrial growth.

📌 Opportunity watch: Construction, materials supply, and local subcontracting potential for companies aligned with GPL’s five-year expansion plan.

Business Opportunities Based On Today’s Developments

Top 3 Small Enterprise Opportunities

1. Affordable Smart Home Solar Installation in Linden and Hinterland Areas

• Why: With over 95% of road upgrades completed in Linden and increasing energy demands nationwide, there is growing opportunity for basic off-grid power systems, especially in underserved areas.

• Opportunity: Small enterprises can offer budget-friendly solar kits and basic energy efficiency services targeting households and micro-businesses.

• Note: Partnering with local councils and using youth employment models could help access grants and reduce installation costs.

2. Mobile Financial Literacy and Investment Workshops

• Why: UG Money Week's renewed emphasis on tech, investing, and crypto signals increasing appetite for grassroots financial education.

• Opportunity: Build mobile teams that conduct in-person and online financial literacy sessions in regions not served by UG’s campus events.

• Note: Packages can include one-on-one planning, digital wallet setup, and crypto 101.

3. Agri-Cooperative Support Services (Bookkeeping, Inputs, Market Access)

• Why: Falling rice prices and pressure on farming margins highlight a need for professional support in managing costs and boosting yields.

• Opportunity: Offer services like cooperative bookkeeping, small-scale input aggregation, and group transport facilitation for rural farmers.

• Note: Specialize in helping farmers lower costs per tonne, as emphasized by the Rice Producers Association.

Top 3 Medium Enterprise Opportunities

1. Specialized Construction Services for Energy and Transmission Projects

• Why: G$28.7B in new funding has been approved for national grid expansion and GtE project-linked infrastructure.

• Opportunity: Medium-sized firms can pursue subcontracting opportunities under PowerChina, Kalpataru, and the Canadian consultant Method4 for cable laying, civil works, and feeder installations.

• Note: Certification and pre-qualification will be essential—align operations with GPL’s published five-year expansion plan.

2. Sustainable Tourism and Hospitality Services in Linden

• Why: Linden’s infrastructure boom and bridge development are expected to position the area as a domestic tourism hub.

• Opportunity: Launch eco-tourism lodges, guided mining-town heritage tours, and weekend escape packages tailored for middle-class Georgetown residents.

• Note: Focus on local culture, nightlife, and scenic riverside stays. Tourism board support may be available.

3. Educational Content Production and Distribution in Indigenous Languages

• Why: The EMC Foundation’s launch of a bilingual audiobook in Arawak shows momentum in culturally relevant, conservation-focused education.

• Opportunity: Produce curriculum-aligned audio and video content in Indigenous languages and pitch for Ministry of Education licensing.

• Note: Ties well into national inclusion goals and Vision 2030. Leverage mobile distribution through education apps.

Top 3 Large Enterprise Opportunities

1. Heavy Civil and Energy Infrastructure Development

• Why: The GtE project and national transmission system upgrade are capital-intensive, long-term undertakings, backed by billions in government and private sector spending.

• Opportunity: Large firms can compete or JV with international EPC contractors for power plants, substations, bridgeworks, and industrial control centers.

• Note: Participation requires local compliance, political engagement, and capital readiness. Success here defines next-decade infrastructure leadership.

2. Strategic Food Production and Agribusiness Export Hubs

• Why: With Guyana forecasted to be the only country globally with full food self-sufficiency potential, the time is ripe for scaled-up production facilities.

• Opportunity: Establish vertically integrated operations in poultry, aquaculture, cassava, or rice processing with export-grade certifications.

• Note: Tap into regional supply chains (Caricom, Dominican Republic) and invest in logistics and cold chain capacity to meet rising Caribbean food security demand.

3. Tech-enabled Public Workforce Systems and Platforms

• Why: The University of Guyana’s “UG Recruit” platform is an early signal of public-sector openness to tech-based employment solutions.

• Opportunity: Build advanced platforms for public workforce management, job-matching, e-training, and skills verification tailored to government HR needs.

• Note: Scope for regional export of this system to other Caribbean nations if proven in Guyana. Position as a GovTech pioneer.

Side Hustle Ideas Based On Today’s Developments

1. Community-Based Financial Literacy Facilitator

• Why: UG Money Week is back, and there’s growing public interest in crypto, investing, and smart money habits.

• What You Do: Host small after-work or weekend sessions in your neighborhood, teaching the basics of saving, budgeting, crypto, and investing. Partner with platforms like Wallet Wisdom or local brokers to refer new users and earn commissions.

• Setup Needs: A laptop, basic public speaking skills, and free tools like Canva and ChatGPT to prep presentations. Can start with 5-10 people per session.

2. Mobile Night Market Pop-Up Vendor (Linden, Berbice, Essequibo)

• Why: Linden’s infrastructure boom and tourism potential, plus Independence celebrations and regional road upgrades, mean more community events and nightlife.

• What You Do: Sell quick-prep food or specialty drinks (e.g., sorrel soda, jerk wraps, street tacos, coconut slush) at nighttime or weekend events. Operate from your vehicle or a fold-out table.

• Setup Needs: Basic food safety training, portable grill or cooler, social media promotion. Can launch in under G$100,000 and scale quickly.

3. Freelance Government Tender Consultant

• Why: Billions in contracts are flowing for roads, energy, and public works — but many small local contractors lack the skill to write tenders or source quotes.

• What You Do: Offer part-time services to help contractors or micro-enterprises prepare bids, quotations, and basic BOQs (Bills of Quantity).

• Setup Needs: A template library, a basic understanding of government procurement, and networking with local builders and suppliers. This side hustle pays well and builds your reputation in the local business ecosystem.