Guyana: Investing

FDI in Figures

According to the UNCTAD's World Investment Report 2025, FDI inflows into Guyana peaked at USD 8.3 billion in 2024, compared to 7.2 billion one year earlier and an average of 3.6 billion in 2020-22. At the end of the same period, the total stock of FDI increased to an estimated USD 34.72 billion, representing around 140.8% of the country’s GDP. The natural resources sector, primarily oil and gas, accounts for the vast majority of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Guyana, with substantial investments in hydrocarbons driving overall FDI inflows. However, the Guyanese government is actively working to diversify the economy. ExxonMobil, in partnership with Hess and CNOOC, continues to lead the development of the Stabroek Block, which holds approximately 11 billion barrels of oil. The consortium has sanctioned multiple projects, including Payara (2023), Yellowtail (2025), and Uaru (2026), with a combined investment exceeding USD 40 billion. Moreover, China has become a significant investor, with direct investment increasing from USD 256 million in 2019 to USD 10.6 billion in 2024. Key projects include the USD 260 million New Demerara River Bridge and six regional hospitals, as well as the renovation of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport. The longstanding territorial dispute surrounding the Essequibo region escalated into a crisis in 2023. Despite being under Guyana's administration, Venezuela continues to assert its claim over the territory. While this disagreement has historical roots, tensions heightened significantly with the discovery of oil reserves off the coast of Guyana.

Guyana's constitution safeguards the property rights of foreigners within its borders. Both foreign and domestic companies enjoy the freedom to establish and own business ventures and participate in all types of commercial activities, with the exception of certain oil and gas services now safeguarded under the Local Content Act (adopted in 2021). The Investment Act of 2004 further fortifies this protection for investments and stipulates non-discrimination between foreign and domestic investors. In 2022, legislation mandated local content requirements for the oil and gas industry, which now contributes over 50% to Guyana's GDP. The nation's export profile heavily relies on natural resources. To foster economic diversification away from oil and gas, the Government of Guyana is providing incentives for investments in sectors like agriculture, business support services, healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, and energy, particularly in remote areas. These incentives are administered through the Guyana Office for Investment (GOINVEST). However, administrative processes, including government tendering, are often sluggish and lacking transparency. Some tenders expire and are re-issued due to prolonged decision-making periods, extending up to a year. Numerous businesses highlight several key challenges they face in operating in Guyana, including rising crime rates, exorbitant electricity costs, ambiguous legal interpretations, protracted delays at customs, tax disputes, and difficulties in securing land access. The Government of Guyana operates an investment screening process facilitated by GOINVEST. This entails the preparation of investment agreements by GOINVEST, subsequent review by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA), and final approval by the Minister of Finance. The investment agreement is then subject to further approval by the GRA. Additionally, investments tailored to specific industries may require endorsement from the pertinent ministries. The country ranks 92nd among the 180 economies on the Corruption Perception Index 2024 and 99th out of 184 countries on the latest Index of Economic Freedom.

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Latest Update: October 2025