Guyana's economy is on course to expand by an average of more than 35 per cent during the first half of 2026, a pace that continues to rank among the fastest in the world, as booming offshore oil production combines with rapid growth across the wider economy.
President Dr. Irfaan Ali announced the projections on Thursday while addressing the opening of the International Building Expo 2026, revealing that the country's economic momentum remains exceptionally strong heading into the second half of the year.
"Our economy is now projected to grow by over 30 per cent this year. In the first half of 2026, the estimated growth is over 35 per cent," the President said.
The announcement comes just months after Guyana recorded another surge in oil revenues. According to Ali, the country received US$761 million from the Stabroek Block in the first quarter of 2026 alone, further strengthening public finances as production from multiple offshore developments continues to increase.
The country's Natural Resource Fund has also crossed another milestone, with assets now exceeding US$4 billion,giving the government an expanding pool of capital to finance infrastructure, education, healthcare and other national development priorities.
But while oil continues to power the headline economic numbers, Ali insisted that Guyana's long-term strategy is centred on building an economy that can thrive well beyond petroleum.
"Our story is not an oil story,"he declared.
"Our story is about the non-oil economy, the story of diversification, the story of sustainability, the story of leadership, the story of investment, the story of world-class healthcare, world-class education and world-class infrastructure."
The President argued that economic growth alone cannot define national success, saying the real challenge is converting today's oil wealth into lasting prosperity that benefits future generations.
"You will agree that growth by itself is not a measure of national success," Ali said.
"The true test is whether today's prosperity is transformed into tomorrow's security, whether the wealth generated in this remarkable moment is preserved, managed wisely and shared across generations."
He said Guyana has been strengthening the country's legal and institutional framework alongside its economic expansion to ensure the benefits of resource wealth endure long after oil production eventually declines.
Ali also pointed to continued investments in democratic institutions, national infrastructure and social development, describing them as essential pillars supporting the country's transformation.
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