By Kurt Campbell
Guyana is aiming high in 2026.
Finance Minister Dr Ashni Singh unveiled the country’s largest-ever budget on Monday, outlining a $1.558 trillion plan designed to ensure that economic growth translates into tangible benefits for every Guyanese.
The theme: ‘Putting People First’ and the numbers show a nation gearing up for opportunity, infrastructure and expansion.
The Minister projected overall economic growth at 16.2% for 2026, with the non-oil economy growing 10.8%. “This is about translating our economic success into real opportunity for families, workers and businesses,” he said.
Agriculture, forestry, and fishing are expected to expand by 7.6%, with standout targets including 100,041 tonnes of sugar and 827,500 tonnes of rice. Livestock, fishing, and other crops are all set for steady growth, while forestry production is targeted at 533,592 cubic metres.
Mining and oil remain strong drivers of growth. The oil and gas sector is projected to expand 17.9%, producing nearly 307 million barrels from the Stabroek Block. Gold and bauxite production are also on the rise, with bauxite expected to reach 4.8 million tonnes. Other mining sectors, including sand and stone, will support the construction boom, with overall growth of 17.6% projected for extractive industries.
Manufacturing is set to grow 12.9%, with sugar and rice processing leading the way, while construction is expected to surge 25.4% thanks to ongoing public and private investment. Services, which underpin jobs and daily life, are forecasted to expand 6.8%, with finance, trade, transport, and professional services all on the rise.
Dr Singh highlighted that this expansion is not just about big numbers. Social and infrastructure investments are central. Roads, bridges, energy networks, schools, hospitals, and affordable housing are all part of the Public Sector Investment Programme, which totals $779.6 billion this year.
Social protection also receives significant attention, $78.3 billion will support children, women, the elderly, and vulnerable groups, while Amerindian communities will benefit from $7.5 billion in dedicated development projects. Community workers will see stipends rise to $50,000 monthly, and the National Cash Grant of $100,000 per adult is set to continue.
Inflation is targeted at a low 2.5%, and exchange rate stability will be maintained to support private sector growth. Central government revenue, excluding oil transfers, is projected to reach $514.1 billion, up from $459.3 billion in 2025. Total expenditure is set at $1.5 trillion, reflecting a strong commitment to investment without introducing new taxes.
Public enterprises are also performing. Receipts are expected to grow to $296.4 billion, with an overall surplus of $6 billion projected. The non-financial public sector will run a deficit of $442.9 billion, about 7.6% of GDP, financed primarily by oil revenues.
Revenue from the Stabroek Block continues to underpin development plans. The government expects to earn approximately US$2.4 billion in profit oil and US$375 million in royalties. The Natural Resource Fund is projected to end the year with a balance of US$3.716 billion, supporting national priorities and long-term sustainability.
Dr Singh framed Budget 2026 as more than numbers. “This budget is about homeownership for families, world-class education for our children, and opportunity as the birthright of every Guyanese.” With ambitious targets across agriculture, mining, construction, services, and social programmes, the government is signalling that the next chapter of Guyana’s development will be broad-based, inclusive, and people-centred.
As the country approaches its 60th independence anniversary, Budget 2026 positions Guyana to not only grow richer, but to ensure that prosperity reaches the communities, families, and individuals who make up the nation.
Key Targets for 2026 at a Glance:
- GDP Growth: 16.2% overall, 10.8% non-oil economy
- Agriculture: Sugar 67.9% growth, rice 1.8%
- Mining & Oil: Oil 17.9%, bauxite 19.3%, gold 5.4%
- Construction: 25.4% growth
- Services: 6.8% growth
- Inflation: Target 2.5%
- Public Sector Investment: $779.6 billion
- Social Protection: $78.3 billion
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