Local content app launched to better connect Guyanese to oil and gas opportunities

– local suppliers, job seekers to be alerted as soon as opportunities available

A Local Content App, meant to enable Guyanese to be better connected to available opportunities in the oil and gas sector, was on Friday launched on the final day of the Guyana Energy Conference and Supply Chain Expo.
During the final day of the energy conference and expo at the Marriott hotel, the much-vaunted Local Content App was launched by the Ministry of Natural Resources. At the launch, head of the Local Content Secretariat, Dr Martin Pertab, explained the benefits that the app, ‘Local Content Gy’, would bring.
“This launch marks a significant milestone in the Government’s commitment to enhancing and promoting local participation in the oil and gas industry. This simple yet effective digital tool intends to improve accessibility, transparency and efficiency of the industry’s procurement process,” he said.
He further clarified that a Local Content Certificate is not necessary to see the available opportunities on the app. Pertab noted that all that is required is to download the app. Additionally, he noted that there is also a job opportunity side to the app.

“Users would benefit from live notification, as posted from the respective sectors and sub-sectors. And you don’t need to have a local content certificate to see the types of local content opportunities on the app.”
“You simply download the app and you can see the opportunities as companies post them. And not only that, but those of you interested in joining the industry, we have something for job opportunities,” Pertab also explained.
Meanwhile, app developer Roger Gajraj explained that the app can be downloaded from either the app store for iPhone users or the Google Play store for android.
He also gave some further details on what the app brings, including the fact that it instantly alerts owners of companies when a Request for Information (RFI) is sent out by an oil and gas company, seeking local suppliers.
“Local companies receive targeted alerts of relevant opportunities of their supply category. Companies and contractors can make queries and start discussions, between themselves, from within the Act. So, these targeted alerts are important, because you have multiple vendors who operate within a particular area,” he outlined.
“And when contractors send out these RFI’s, they can go to the particular companies that are interested in that category of supply. Individuals are also informed of job opportunities. Right now, there are over 40 opportunities on the app, with more being added daily,” he further explained.
Since the passage of the Local Content Act in 2021, the Government has reported that more than1,000 companies are on the local content register.
Meanwhile, the Guyana Government had committed to reviewing the Local Content Act and expanding the 40 service areas set aside for locals.
During his end of year press conference, President Dr Irfaan Ali had spoken about the ongoing review. Asked if he was satisfied with the impact the Local Content Act has had on Guyana, the President expressed satisfaction with the results so far while also looking forward to future improvements.
There are 40 areas in which oil companies have to seek services from local providers, to varying degrees. For instance, 100 per cent of immigration support, work permit and visa application, customs and ground transportation, as well as insurance have to be sought from local service providers by the oil companies.
Meanwhile, other targets include 90 per cent of office space rental and accommodation services; 90 per cent of janitorial services, laundry and catering services; 95 per cent pest control services; 75 per cent local supply of food; and 90 per cent local accounting services.
In November 2024, it was reported that 1032 companies were registered with the Local Content Secretariat, meaning they are in possession of a Local Content Certificate to confirm they are a Guyanese company and are eligible to supply oil and gas operations.
During last month’s presentation of the budget, Finance Minister, Dr Ashni Singh had revealed that the Local Content Register has now grown to over 1,100 companies. Additionally, US$743 million was spent in 2024 on local services, employment and capacity development… all of which the secretariat facilitated.