GEORGETOWN, GUYANA – The People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) government has outlined a wide-ranging strategy to reshape Guyana’s economy over the next five years, placing oil and gas at the center of growth while pledging to create jobs, expand infrastructure, and push economic diversification.
The plan was unveiled on Monday during the launch of the party’s 2025 manifesto at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre in Georgetown.At the heart of the strategy is Guyana’s oil boom, which the government projects could see daily production reach 1.7 million barrels by 2030.
This forecast is based on eight major oil and gas developments, supported by new Production Sharing Agreements from the 2022 auction, seismic surveys, and additional international block auctions. President Dr Irfaan Ali, speaking at the launch, framed these developments as the foundation for the country’s economic future. One of the flagship projects is the Wales Gas-to-Energy initiative, which includes a 300 MW power plant and a Natural Gas Liquids facility designed to meet Guyana’s domestic demand for cooking gas.
A second 300 MW plant is also planned, along with a ship-loading terminal to export cooking gas across the Caribbean and to international markets. These projects are expected to deliver not only more affordable energy but also a cleaner supply that could reduce costs for households and businesses.
Beyond energy, the PPP/C is promising targeted investments to spread the benefits of the oil sector. The Berbice Industrial Development Initiative is expected to commercialise offshore gas reserves while creating industrial opportunities outside of the capital. The government also stressed that its long-term goal is to position Guyana as one of the world’s most attractive investment destinations, while ensuring citizens gain from jobs, training, and skills development.
Since taking office in 2020, the PPP/C has moved to establish a legal and regulatory framework to manage oil and gas revenues responsibly, with local content legislation requiring international companies to engage Guyanese workers and businesses.
Officials argue that this foundation, paired with ongoing infrastructure development and private sector growth, will help secure broad-based prosperity rather than overreliance on oil.For many observers, the manifesto reflects the balance Guyana must strike in the coming years: leveraging its status as one of the fastest-growing oil economies in the world while diversifying enough to cushion against volatility in global energy markets.
With billions of dollars in oil revenues expected, the question now is whether the government can turn promises of cleaner energy, more jobs, and long-term economic security into reality for ordinary Guyanese.
