16th edition of Intl Building Expo to focus on innovative housing solutions

– Event set for June 25–28

The Government of Guyana, through the Housing Ministry, has launched the 2026 edition of the International Building Expo 2026, which will be hosted from June 25 to 28, 2026, at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, East Bank Demerara (EBD), with a focus on innovative housing solutions. Now in its 16th year, the International Building Expo continues to cement its place as Guyana’s premier construction showcase, with this year’s staging set to be its most expansive yet. The Government has signalled a major expansion, with the event expected to feature cutting-edge construction products, services and innovations, reflecting the rapid transformation of the sector. Speaking at Thursday’s launch, the Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, Vanessa Benn, centred her remarks on the growing demand for skilled professionals, particularly architects, as the country accelerates its housing and infrastructure drive.

“Whilst one might think that the expo is just about the products persons sell, the construction of homes, and new business, it is also about employment. Because the more we speak of the fact that our ministry and our Government have set a target of building over a two-year period, it means that we need more architects, more surveyors, more masons and more plumbers.”
The Minister stated that the expo has consistently provided opportunities for individuals to participate and engage with key stakeholders in the sector. She noted that, within this context, the principles and aspirations of the 2026 International Building Expo – being held under the theme “Guyana at 60: Building Strong Foundations” – remain central to its purpose. She further explained that the exposition offers Guyanese homeowners a chance to gain first-hand insight into ongoing developments and to interact directly with a range of service providers, including representatives from banking and insurance institutions who are equipped to address questions related to financing and coverage. Additionally, the Minister emphasised that the Expo continues to serve as an important space for small entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services and engage with potential clients and partners. Thus, she invited participation for exhibitors all throughout Guyana.
“So, I invite and encourage the participation of exhibitors, sponsors, performers and their teams. And indeed, visits and participation not only from Guyanese here but also from international partners – persons who have businesses operating in Guyana and who have an interest in being part of this transformative period in our country’s history and in providing some of the tools and services which we need.”

Meanwhile, Housing Minister Collin Croal noted that the Expo provides Guyanese with an opportunity to drive future growth by engaging with the wide range of innovations and developments showcased across the building and construction sector. “But it is also a moment that calls on us to look ahead, to ask what kind of country we are building. And the answer is that we are building a country for the next generation. In that context, housing and infrastructure are not just development priorities – they are nation-building tools. The homes we construct, the communities we design, and the infrastructure that we invest in will define not only our present but our future.” He added that it will serve as an important space for investment and engagement, connecting developers, financial institutions, suppliers, and service providers while providing ordinary Guyanese with access to information, guidance, and opportunities within the sector.
“It showcases not only more than 60 years of progress in housing and infrastructure but also the future of building in Guyana – from smart and prefabricated solutions to climate-resilient infrastructure, green technologies and innovative housing models. It will also serve as an important space for investment and engagement, connecting developers, financial institutions, suppliers and service providers while giving ordinary Guyanese access to information, guidance and opportunities within the sector.”