Guyana is rapidly establishing itself as one of the most dynamic emerging economies worldwide, leveraging its oil wealth to fuel a broad transformation in energy, technology, and human capital. Speaking to global leaders at the ninth Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, President Dr. Irfaan Ali shared an ambitious plan to position Guyana as a strong contender in the global digital economy — one focused on innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
Oil Wealth Driving a New Era of Development
Since the discovery of major oil reserves, Guyana has entered a new era of prosperity, using energy revenues to improve national infrastructure and social systems. President Ali explained that this new economic foundation lets the government make strategic investments in education, healthcare, and digital transformation — crucial pillars for long-term national resilience.
“We recently discovered oil, and that has really sped up the pace of change,” President Ali said. “It has allowed us to make the right investments in human capital, healthcare, education, and technology. To compete in a global system, no matter the size, you need the proper infrastructure, education system, healthcare, and food system to support your people.”
Building a Modern Energy and Technology Ecosystem
At the heart of Guyana’s transformation is the development of a modern, cost-effective energy infrastructure designed to make the country’s power sector competitive and sustainable. This energy transition, President Ali emphasized, will lay the groundwork for Guyana’s emergence as a regional hub for technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
The President said, “We are now able to have energy that will be competitive and allow us to compete in the energy infrastructure of which digitisation and AI will be a big part.”
Guyana is already preparing to build a large-scale data center capable of supporting AI and digital services across the Caribbean. The project is part of the government’s broader effort to incorporate advanced technologies and digital systems into national development.
E-ID Rollout Marks Milestone in Digital Transformation
President Ali also emphasized the electronic identification (E-ID) system, one of Guyana’s most important steps toward national digitization. The government has launched a large-scale deployment of biometric ID cards, which will enhance services, strengthen border security, and make daily tasks like opening bank accounts easier.
The President was the first to get his E-ID in August and assured citizens that a thorough public awareness campaign would support the rollout.
“This initiative is not just about convenience,” President Ali explained. “It is about empowering citizens, improving transparency, and integrating Guyana into the digital future.”
Balancing Innovation with Sustainability
While technology and energy lead the transformation agenda, President Ali emphasized that traditional sectors remain essential to Guyana’s growth strategy. The government continues to invest in agriculture, forestry, and food production to establish Guyana as a global leader in sustainable agriculture and food security.
“We are positioning ourselves as the food capital of the world while ensuring that our forests stay intact for the sake of humanity,” President Ali told the international gathering. “We are investing in people, in education, and in building the most skilled population possible.”
These initiatives reinforce Guyana’s global commitment to environmental stewardship and climate action, emphasizing the country’s dedication to a sustainable and inclusive growth model.
Strategic Partnerships to Accelerate Progress
Recognizing the limitations of its small population, President Ali said Guyana is actively seeking international partnerships to promote its growth. The government is looking for skilled professionals, advanced technologies, and proven investment frameworks from around the world to accelerate national development.
“We know, like Qatar, we must bring in talent, investment, and technology,” Dr. Ali said. “We don’t have the time or the human-resource assets to start from scratch — we’re bringing in successful models and adapting them to Guyana’s context.”
A Confident Step into the Global Future
At the FII summit, President Ali participated alongside several world leaders, including the Presidents of Rwanda, Colombia, Bulgaria, and Kosovo, as well as the Prime Ministers of Pakistan and Albania. His speech positioned Guyana as an emerging voice in the global economy — one committed to balancing energy-driven growth with innovation, environmental conservation, and social progress.
Through its emphasis on digitization, education, and sustainable energy, Guyana is redefining what it means to be a small nation in a globalized, technology-driven world—demonstrating that size does not limit ambition, innovation, or impact.