How Guyana’s Relevance is Becoming Stronger as a Global Epicentre for the Oil & Gas Sector

A New Era Under President Irfaan Ali’s Second Term

Guyana has swiftly moved from being a relatively under-the-radar South American economy to becoming one of the most talked-about players in the global energy market. With the re-election of President Mohamed Irfaan Ali for a second term in September 2025, the country is stepping into a decisive phase of its oil-led growth story.

Ali’s renewed mandate provides his administration with the political stability and authority needed to accelerate long-term plans that combine oil revenue management, infrastructure development, and economic diversification. The People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C) strengthened majority reflects popular support for Ali’s “One Guyana” vision—a framework that seeks to distribute prosperity equitably while positioning Guyana as a global oil powerhouse.

Oil Production: Guyana’s Defining Growth Driver

Over the last five years, Guyana has achieved remarkable milestones in oil and gas production:

• Current oil output stands at ~660,000 barrels per day, with projections to rise to ~786,000 barrels per day by late 2025.
  

• Longer-term forecasts suggest production could exceed 1.7 million barrels of oil equivalent per day by 2030, placing Guyana firmly among the top per-capita oil producers in the world.
  

• Global majors like ExxonMobil, Hess, and CNOOC continue to invest heavily in offshore development, cementing Guyana’s status as a reliable energy supplier at a time when global demand patterns are shifting.
  

This rapid growth has already made Guyana the world’s fastest-growing economy in terms of GDP, with the IMF projecting double-digit expansion for 2025.

Mohammad Irfaan Ali’s Vision: Oil Wealth as a Catalyst for Transformation

President Ali has repeatedly stressed that oil revenues must become a foundation for long-term national development rather than a short-term windfall. His second-term agenda reflects this approach:

• Welfare Expansion: Increased pensions, free tertiary education, and measures to lower household costs, including halved electricity bills.

• Gas-to-Energy Project: A landmark 300 MW plant at Wales to slash power tariffs, boost industrial competitiveness, and reduce carbon emissions.

• Silica City: A planned smart city aimed at creating jobs, fostering innovation, and serving as a global model for sustainable urban development.

• Infrastructure Boom: Highways, ports, hospitals, and housing projects designed to transform connectivity and living standards.
  

By anchoring oil-driven revenues in diversification and social investment, Ali is positioning Guyana as both an energy hub and a modern, inclusive economy.

International Perspective

International investors and policy observers have taken note of Guyana’s rapid rise. Commenting on the outlook, Mr. Antonio Roquim Neto, Board Member of UCC Holding, a major Qatari conglomerate stated:

“President Irfaan Ali’s second term represents a pivotal moment for Guyana. His strategic vision to leverage oil revenues for transformative investments in infrastructure, education, and energy diversification provides the foundation for sustainable, long-term growth. This forward-looking approach positions Guyana not only as a leading oil producer but as an emerging global energy hub distinguished by balance, resilience, and foresight.” UCC is a major investor in the Cooperative Republic of Guyana in diversified sectors.

Why Guyana Matters Globally

The global oil and gas industry is experiencing a reshuffle, and Guyana’s relevance is growing for several reasons:

1. Supply Diversification: Guyana offers stable, democratic governance compared to several other oil producers facing political or security challenges.
   

2. Investment Confidence: Consistent policy signals and improved production-sharing terms are drawing foreign capital and reinforcing credibility.
   

3. Geostrategic Value: As energy security becomes central to geopolitics, Guyana’s position on the Atlantic offers strategic proximity to North America, Latin America, and Europe.
   

4. Beyond Oil: With strong investments in agriculture, fisheries, ICT, and renewable energy, Guyana is working to ensure its global importance is not limited to hydrocarbons.
   

The Road Ahead

While challenges such as revenue transparency, governance, and the ongoing Essequibo territorial dispute with Venezuela remain, Guyana is increasingly seen as a model of how a small nation can leverage natural resources for holistic growth.

President Ali’s second term provides both continuity and renewed vigor to steer Guyana through this critical period. With rising production, global partnerships, and visionary infrastructure projects, Guyana is firmly emerging as the world’s new epicentre for oil and gas while simultaneously building the pillars of a diversified and resilient economy.

References

• Reuters – Guyana oil output and growth outlook
  

• IMF – Guyana At a Glance
  

• OilNOW – Gas-to-Energy and Silica City coverage
  

• DPI – President Ali’s second-term vision