Has investor interest in Guyana plateaued?

Guyana continues to attract significant global attention as an investment destination, with officials maintaining that interest has not plateaued despite rapid expansion in the oil and gas sector.

Senior Director at the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest), John Edghill, says the country’s appeal goes far beyond hydrocarbons, pointing to a broader strategy that balances foreign investment with growing local participation.

“Guyana is often described as anattractiveinvestment destination, especially in oil and gas, but what we’re seeing on theground is a much deeper transformation,” Edghill explained.

He noted that while global investors remain essential to building out key industries, the government is placing increasing focus on ensuring that investments translate into real,measurable benefits for Guyanese citizens.

A major part of that strategy is strengthening local capacity. Edghill highlighted ongoing efforts to increase the participation of Guyanese in the workforce, particularly in the energy sector, with ambitious targets to significantly reduce reliance on expatriate labour in the coming years.

“We want to see a clear pathway where local expertise continues to grow year after year,” he said, explaining that investors are expected to present plans showing how they will expand local hiring and transfer skills over time.

This push is being supported by investments in training and education, including the development of the oil andgas training institute, aimed at preparing Guyanese for technical and high-valueroles in a rapidly evolving economy.

But beyond workforce development, Edghill stressed that local investors are playing an increasingly critical role in Guyana’s growth story.

“We cannot build the country we want without foreign investors, but equally, we cannot do it without our local investors,”he said. “They bring cultural understanding, local knowledge, and long-term commitment… all of which are essential for sustainable development.”

He pointed to the Local Content framework as a key driver of this shift, encouraging Guyanese businesses to expand into areas where there is still limited local capacity, such as specialised services within the oil and gas industry.

While some sectors, including accommodation and basic services, already show strong local participation, gaps remain in technical fields like drilling support, engineering services, and certain specialised operations. These, Edghill noted, represent major opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

“As we identify areas where there is low capacity, that’s where we want to see investment,” he said. “Those are the spaces where Guyanese businesses can grow, partner, and build long-term value.”

The government is also working to expand the Local Content schedule, potentially adding new categories to further open up opportunities for Guyanese companies.

At the same time, GO-Invest continues to play a central role in facilitating both foreign and local investments, guiding investors through regulatory processes, permits, and approvals.

“Our job is to reduce friction,”Edghill explained. “We help investors navigate the system so they can focus on building and expanding their operations here.”

Despite global economic uncertainties and increasing competition among oil-producing nations, Guyana’s model, which emphasises stability, strategic planning, and inclusive growth, continues to stand out.

For Edghill, the ultimate measure of success is not just the volume of investment flowing into the country, but how it impacts ordinary Guyanese.

“It’s about ensuring that growth translates into wealth creation, opportunities, and better lives for people across the country,” he said.