Agriculture records growth in key sectors as Guyana’s economy surges

September 14 2026

Guyana’s agricultural sector recorded strong growth in several key areas during the first half of 2026, despite a marginal overall contraction of 0.5 percent in agriculture, forestry and fishing.

Sugar production led the sector with 19.3 percent growth, followed by forestry at 15.4 percent, rice at 4.4 percent and fishing at 4.1 percent.

The figures were announced by President Dr Irfaan Ali, during a press conference today, who said Guyana’s economy grew by an estimated 33.3 percent during the first half of 2026, while the non-oil economy expanded by 10.1 percent.

Guyana’s full-year real GDP growth forecast has also been revised upward to 20.8 percent, with non-oil growth projected at 10.2 percent.

Mining and quarrying recorded the strongest overall expansion at 40.7 percent, driven largely by a 41.3 percent increase in oil and gas production. Gold mining grew by 11.3 percent, bauxite by 7.3 percent, while other mining activities expanded by 40 percent.

Construction also recorded significant growth of 24.7 percent, while services expanded by 7.2 percent and manufacturing by 3 percent.

President Ali said the latest figures reflect continued expansion across multiple areas of the economy, including increased investment, construction and industrial activity.