The recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Atlanta Black Chambers’ Global Opportunities Committee (GOU-ABC) and the local Black Entrepreneurs Association (BEA) is being billed as representing a strategic move to enhance business opportunities for members of both organisations.
The collaboration is aimed at capitalising on the growing economic potential in Guyana, especially as the country’s rapidly expanding economy continues to attract international interest.
The MOU, signed during the 2nd Annual Destination Guyana Now (DGN) Diaspora Business and Investment Conference at the Guyana Marriott Hotel, underscores the importance of fostering innovation and cultural exchange to drive economic growth.
Stacey Mollison, President of Libra Management Group, signed on behalf of GOU-ABC, while Lance Hinds, Secretary of BEA, represented the local entrepreneurs.US Ambassador to Guyana, Nicole Theriot, who spoke at the signing, emphasised the value of strengthening ties between the United States and Guyana, particularly through shared democratic ideals and the promotion of human rights.
She highlighted the critical role of the US Foreign Commercial Service in connecting private sectors in both countries, encouraging local entrepreneurs to utilise the service’s support for mentorship and business development.
The significance of the agreement lies in its potential to create a dynamic framework for long-term economic collaboration, addressing both immediate commercial needs and the broader objective of nurturing cultural and innovative pursuits.
The partnership aims to capitalise on the ongoing transformation in Guyana’s economy, which has experienced a dramatic shift in its economic landscape, projected to see its GDP grow from US$4 billion in 2020 to US$24 billion by the end of 2024.
Hinds pointed to this growth as a call for local entrepreneurs to take control of their participation in the economic boom, stressing the need for self-representation while acknowledging the importance of collaboration. His remarks reflect the broader intent of the MOU: to ensure that local and diaspora business interests are fully engaged in Guyana’s economic rise.
The conference also featured Malik Yoba, a member of the Export-Import Bank of the US’s 2024-2025 Sub-Saharan Africa Advisory Committee.
Yoba, an actor and entrepreneur, spoke on the power of narrative in shaping business success. He noted that shared cultural stories can drive economic growth, a message that aligns with the conference’s focus on fostering connections between international and local business owners.
Yoba’s remarks extended beyond business as he explored the potential for cross-cultural collaborations in the creative arts, particularly with local filmmakers and actors, further reinforcing the idea that Guyana’s economic transformation must also be a cultural one.
The DGN conference, which ends today, has proven to be a key platform for exploring investment opportunities while celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of the diaspora.
