Guyana’s government on Monday presented a G$1.558 trillion ($7.5 billion) national budget for 2026, the largest in the country’s history, representing a 307% increase in public spending compared with the G$383.1 billion budget in 2021, as authorities seek to translate rapid economic growth into broad-based social and infrastructure development.
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, delivered the budget to the National Assembly under the theme “Putting the People First,” outlining major investments in housing, health care, education, infrastructure, energy and social protection.
The budget was presented against the backdrop of continued strong economic performance. Government data show the economy expanded by 19.3% in 2025, while the non-oil economy grew by 14.3%, reflecting sustained growth beyond the petroleum sector. For 2026, real GDP growth is projected at 16.2%, driven by both oil production and ongoing expansion in agriculture, construction, services and manufacturing.
Singh said the spending plan is designed to convert economic expansion into tangible improvements in living standards, while advancing commitments outlined in the governing People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) manifesto and President Mohamed Irfaan Ali’s national development agenda.
Agriculture has been allocated G$113.2 billion to strengthen food security, expand production and support agro-processing and value-added activities. Housing remains a major focus, with G$159.1 billion earmarked to advance new and existing housing schemes, infrastructure works and expanded access to home ownership across all regions.
Education spending will total G$183.6 billion, supporting school construction and rehabilitation, teacher training, learning resources and skills development aligned with labour-market needs. Health care has been allocated G$161.1 billion to support hospital upgrades, specialised services and wider access to modern medical care.
Social services will receive G$78.3 billion for programmes targeting children, women, senior citizens and other vulnerable groups, while G$7.5 billion is set aside for Amerindian community development.
Infrastructure development continues at scale, with G$196.1 billion allocated for the expansion and rehabilitation of roads and bridges. The government’s energy programme has been assigned G$119.4 billion, aimed at reducing electricity costs, improving reliability and supporting industrial growth.
Transport investments include G$11.2 billion for river transport to improve mobility for hinterland and riverain communities, and G$3.2 billion for continued construction of a new arrival terminal at Cheddi Jagan International Airport.
As part of efforts to diversify the economy, the budget allocates G$2.2 billion to complete the Hospitality and Tourism Institute and G$3.7 billion to support the creative and cultural industries under the Orange Economy initiative. Sports development will receive G$6 billion for infrastructure, athlete development and community programmes.
The water sector has been allocated G$21.6 billion for upgrades to treatment plants, distribution networks and hinterland systems.
Singh said the budget reflects the government’s emphasis on inclusive growth, with spending designed to ensure that the benefits of economic expansion reach households across all regions and income groups.