GUYANA’S transformation is often measured in billions of dollars, record oil production, massive infrastructure projects, and unprecedented economic growth.
By the end of 2026, the country is expected to produce more than one million barrels of oil per day, while the International Monetary Fund continues to rank Guyana among the fastest-growing economies in the world.
Those are remarkable achievements, but a quieter statistic may prove to be even more important: Guyana is now home to more than one million people, and the majority of them are young.
The latest data from the Bureau of Statistics paints the picture of a nation with enormous potential. Sixty-one per cent of the population is under the age of 35, while 42 per cent is younger than 25.
This is a demographic advantage that many developed countries no longer possess. Across Europe, North America and parts of Asia, governments are grappling with ageing populations, shrinking workforces, and declining birth rates. Guyana, by contrast, has something many countries wish they had: A youthful population capable of driving growth for decades to come.
But demographics alone do not guarantee prosperity.
A young population becomes an asset only when it is educated, healthy, skilled, and given opportunities to succeed. Otherwise, what economists describe as a demographic dividend can quickly become a demographic burden.
There are reasons for optimism.
Over the past five years, Guyana has made some of the largest investments in education and youth development in its post-Independence history. New secondary schools are being built across the country. Tuition at the University of Guyana continues to be subsidised, opening the doors of higher education to thousands of students.
Through the GOAL scholarship programme, thousands more Guyanese have been able to pursue tertiary education locally and internationally in disciplines ranging from engineering and medicine to logistics, information technology and business management.
At the same time, investments in Internet connectivity, digital learning and technical and vocational education are helping prepare young people for an economy that is becoming increasingly knowledge-driven.
The labour market is also changing.
Recent labour force data show that youth unemployment has declined significantly over the past three years as opportunities continue to expand across construction, healthcare, hospitality, agriculture, services, logistics, and the energy sector. More young Guyanese are entering university, learning skilled trades, and launching businesses than ever before.
These are encouraging trends.
But progress should never breed complacency.
Young Guyanese are entering adulthood with expectations unlike any generation before them. They are more connected to the world, more technologically aware, and more ambitious. They are not simply looking for employment. They want careers. They want innovation. They want financial security. They want the opportunity to own homes, start businesses, raise families, and build fulfilling lives.
Meeting those expectations will require sustained planning.
The country’s development agenda cannot depend solely on oil and gas. While petroleum has transformed Guyana’s economic fortunes, no responsible nation builds its future on a single industry. The government has repeatedly stated that oil revenues are intended to finance a diversified economy rather than become the economy itself.
That diversification is already taking shape through investments in agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, healthcare, technology, logistics and the Orange Economy. These sectors must continue to grow because they will provide opportunities for generations long after the last barrel of oil has been produced.
Housing, healthcare, education and transportation must also keep pace with population growth. A nation of more than one million people requires more schools, more hospitals, better public transport, reliable utilities and modern communities. Economic growth means little if citizens cannot access quality public services or afford a decent standard of living.
Perhaps the greatest challenge is retaining talent.
For decades, Guyana watched many of its brightest minds leave in search of opportunities abroad. Today, that trend is beginning to reverse. More Guyanese are returning home, while many young people are choosing to build their futures here, because they see possibilities that did not exist a decade ago.