What is the Greater Guyana Initiative?
The Greater Guyana Initiative is a USD100 million (GYD20 billion) investment by the Stabroek Block co-venturers—ExxonMobil Guyana, Hess Guyana Exploration, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana. Spanning ten years, this initiative supports capacity development programmes across Guyana, expanding on existing efforts and reflecting the co-venturers’ long-term commitment to advancing Guyana’s growth and development.
With a focus on education and training, economic development, and health, the initiative aims to strengthen the Guyanese workforce, increase the competitiveness of local businesses across sectors and lay the foundation necessary for a thriving business environment and sustained economic growth.
As programs develop, national and local leaders, community members and the private sector will be engaged to bolster the effectiveness of the endeavor and ensure alignment with Guyana’s development priorities as they evolve over the coming years.
Programme Activities
The Greater Guyana Initiative’s multi-faceted approach focuses on three core areas:
Education and Training, Economic Development, and Health.
Education and Training
The Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) is advancing vocational and university education, skills development, and competency building to meet the growing demands of multiple economic sectors. In collaboration with key stakeholders like the Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (C-TVET) and the University of Guyana, we focus on developing a highly skilled technical workforce.
Since 2019, our partnership with C-TVET has improved the quality of technical training across Guyana. Starting with the Linden and New Amsterdam Technical Institutes, and later extending to the Leonora Technical Institute and the Mahaicony Technical and Vocational Training Centre, we’ve enhanced Electrical Installation and Welding programmes and introduced Basic Industrial and Safety Training (BIST). We’ve also provided professional development for instructors and students. These efforts are not only elevating technical education but also fostering a culture of safety nationwide.
Our partnership with the University of Guyana has supported key projects that strengthen specialised training programmes, research initiatives, and the overall educational framework—critical to preparing Guyana's workforce for its rapidly growing industries.
Health
The Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) is championing community health and well-being through its partnership with the Roraima Learning Trust (RLT) on the ‘Eat Well, Move Well, Feel Well’ Project.
This initiative empowers individuals to embrace healthier lifestyles by offering practical tips on nutrition, promoting physical activity, and encouraging greater self-awareness of their well-being. Together, we’re equipping communities with the knowledge and resources they need to take control of their health and lead fuller, healthier lives.
Economic Development
The Greater Guyana Initiative (GGI) is driving sustainable socio-economic development by partnering with the Centre for Local Business Development (CLBD). Together, we focus on regional programmes that enhance capacity, promote business development, and strengthen agriculture—laying the foundation for long-term growth.
Through various projects, GGI contributes to community resilience, income generation, and infrastructure improvements for vulnerable groups. By fostering close relationships with the communities we serve, we ensure that our initiatives genuinely improve livelihoods and create lasting impact.
In just five years, we’ve helped boost local tourism in Region 10 by partnering with the Region Ten Tourism Committee Inc., elevating the region's hospitality and cultural appeal. Our commitment to sustainability is also evident in the Region 1 Sustainable Enablers Project, where we support human development efforts that protect Guyana’s marine and coastal environments while sustaining the livelihoods of indigenous communities in Smith Creek and Imbotero.
Additionally, GGI supports the expansion of the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP) Hydroponics Project, which is transforming agriculture by empowering youth agribusiness, increasing local food production, and reducing reliance on imports.
In just five years, we’ve helped boost local tourism in Region 10 by partnering with the Region Ten Tourism Committee Inc., elevating the region's hospitality and cultural appeal. Our commitment to sustainability is also evident in the Region 1 Sustainable Enablers Project, where we support human development efforts that protect Guyana’s marine and coastal environments while sustaining the livelihoods of indigenous communities in Smith Creek and Imbotero.
Additionally, GGI supports the expansion of the Agriculture and Innovation Entrepreneurship Programme (AIEP) Hydroponics Project, which is transforming agriculture by empowering youth agribusiness, increasing local food production, and reducing reliance on imports.
About the Stabroek Block Co-Venturers
About ExxonMobil Guyana Limited
ExxonMobil, one of the largest publicly traded international energy companies, uses technology and innovation to help meet the world’s growing energy needs. ExxonMobil holds an industry-leading inventory of resources, is one of the largest refiners and marketers of petroleum products, and its chemical company is one of the largest in the world.
To learn more, visit exxonmobil.com and the Energy Factor. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
About Hess
Hess Corporation is a leading global independent energy company engaged in the exploration and production of crude oil and natural gas.More information on Hess Corporation is available at www.hess.com.
About CNOOC
CNOOC Limited and its subsidiaries is the largest producer of offshore crude oil and natural gas in China and one of the largest independent oil and gas exploration and production companies in the world. The Group mainly engages in exploration, development, production and sale of crude oil and natural gas.More information about the Company is available at cnoocltd.com.