The use of artificial intelligence to improve public-sector operations could help lift Guyana’s annual non-oil economic output by approximately $120.8 billion after ten years, according to simulations from a SphereX study outlined by business analyst Joel Bhagwandin.
The study, titled From Resource Abundance to Productive Abundance: The AI-powered Leapfrog Strategy for Guyana, examines how AI could strengthen the country’s capacity to deliver services and execute its development programme.
Under its central scenario, non-oil output could reach 1.8 per cent above the level expected without AI after five years, rising to 3.6 per cent after a decade.
Bhagwandin stressed, however, that the figures represent simulations based on stated assumptions, rather than forecasts or savings already achieved. Realising those benefits would require institutions to improve their work processes, put freed-up staff time to productive use and independently verify the results.
The findings were presented during a panel discussion at the World Trade Centre Georgetown’s International Trade and Investment Conference on October 22.
According to Bhagwandin, changes to public-sector workflows supported by AI could free up approximately 10.1 million working hours annually, equivalent to the working time of roughly 4,864 full-time employees.
The simulations place the annual value of additional services and capacity at $13.8 billion, increasing to $18.9 billion in annual public value by the fifth year.
For citizens and businesses, the potential benefits include faster processing of permits, procurement and project appraisals. Bhagwandin argued that shorter delivery periods could reduce cost overruns and allow public investments to begin generating economic benefits sooner.
He linked the findings to Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo’s emphasis on using AI to support technical work and analysis at the Global Biodiversity Alliance Summit, describing that emphasis as well placed.
Bhagwandin contended that, as Guyana’s financial resources expand, specialised skills, coordination and the ability to execute projects have become increasingly important constraints.
He said the response should focus on helping existing workers deliver more, with training and redeployment taking priority over job cuts.
“Responsible AI can multiply scarce expertise, improve institutional throughput and lower the transaction costs of trade and investment.”
However, Bhagwandin maintained that technology must be supported by reliable data, effective oversight and properly designed procedures. Authorised officials, he said, must retain responsibility for decisions.
“AI can accelerate development; it cannot substitute for competent institutions.”
