Guyana

Natural Resources Minister Vickram Bharrat said Stabroek block output has passed 900,000 barrels a day and could exceed 1 million by the end of 2026. That increase depends on ExxonMobil's fifth project, Uaru, whose production vessel arrived in August and which is expected to start in the fourth quarter. A start-up would bring more demand for oilfield services, logistics and supply contracts.

UA.News (citing OilPrice) · 2026-09-30

The government says ExxonMobil has recovered its initial costs and that Guyana is now entitled to nearly 40% of production from the block. A larger state share of oil means more public money for infrastructure, which supports opportunities in construction and public works contracts.

The Rio Times · 2026-09-26

The US State Department's 2026 Investment Climate Statement on Guyana says the government is considering changes to the Local Content Act that would likely raise targets and extend the rules beyond oil and gas. Foreign firms in joint ventures have raised concerns that stricter rules could delay operations, so entrants should allow time and budget for local partnering and procurement requirements.

US Department of State, 2026 Investment Climate Statements: Guyana · 2026-09-30

The same statement lists incentives for non-oil sectors, including no corporate tax on agriculture and agro-processing and VAT removal on some light-manufacturing equipment. It also notes that the Special Development Zones announced in the 2026 budget have not yet been located. Investors outside petroleum should watch for the zone designations, which would set where further incentives apply.

US Department of State, 2026 Investment Climate Statements: Guyana · 2026-09-30

The IMF Executive Board finished its 2026 Article IV review of Guyana. It reported real GDP growth of over 19% in 2025, projected 22.3% for 2026 and expects non-oil growth of about 7% a year over the medium term. It also noted that inflation rose by mid-2026 on higher global energy and food prices, that it projects average inflation of 4.1% for 2026, and that overheating is one of the downside risks, so entrants should plan for rising local costs.

International Monetary Fund (Press Release No. 26/330) · 2026-10-08

The government's 2026 Mid-Year Report, released in mid-September, showed 33.3% growth in the first half, crude export earnings of about US$15 billion and 10.1% non-oil growth, with construction up 24.7%. The report projects US$6.5 billion in petroleum revenue for 2026 and 20.8% growth for the full year, which supports continued heavy public spending on infrastructure.

The Rio Times (citing Ministry of Finance 2026 Mid-Year Report) · 2026-09-26

On 5 October the government opened the Guyana Development Bank. It offers small and medium-sized businesses interest-free loans of up to G$3 million with no collateral, through an online platform. This should make local SMEs better able to act as suppliers or partners, and it may add to domestic demand and credit growth.

Guyana Chronicle (citing Ministry of Finance) · 2026-10-06

On 28 September, US Ambassador Nicole Theriot said international firms mainly need predictable regulation. She called for a modernised public tender process and faster handling of tax filings and refunds by the Guyana Revenue Authority. The government has promised an electronic procurement system and a wider bidder register at the national tender board by the end of the year, which would affect how foreign firms bid for state contracts.

The Rio Times (citing iNews Guyana) · 2026-09-30

No new security incidents in the Essequibo border dispute with Venezuela were found for this period. The case is still before the International Court of Justice, and iNews Guyana reports that a ruling is expected early next year, which could remove a long-standing risk for investors.

The Rio Times (citing iNews Guyana) · 2026-09-30