-by David Clarke
Local content is set to play an even greater role in Guyana’s economic transformation, President Dr. Irfaan Ali noted, with new opportunities being created for local businesses, investors and service providers.
President Irfaan Ali says the Government is positioning local content as a major driver of the country’s next phase of economic growth, ensuring Guyanese participation across a wider range of sectors.
Speaking at the Local Content Summit 2026 Cocktail Reception on Tuesday evening, the President noted that local participating is becoming embedded into every aspect of national development.
“We are now moving into an era where we want local content to be structured in the everyday evolution of our economy and more and more participation in every segment of our economic transformation and growth,” he said.
The Head of State said Government is examining additional services for inclusion under the Local Content Act, including financial and insurance services, while also investing in education and training to build the human capacity needed to support new industries.
President Ali also highlighted plans for the launch of the Junior Stock Exchange during the first half of this year, noting that it will create new investment opportunities for local businesses.
“I am very pleased to say in the gold sector for example, one of the very large developers , they are willing to set up shares for the local population, local businesses and that is why it is important for us to have the junior stock exchange,” the president said.
The President said Guyana’s private sector is now better positioned to identify niche opportunities, partner with international investors and expand into regional markets as the country’s economy continues to mature.