Guyana’s $1.558 trillion National Budget for 2026 was approved by the National Assembly early Saturday morning, bringing days of debate and estimates considerations to a close.
Budget 2026 is the first national budget under the People’s Progressive Party/Civic’s (PPP/C’s) current post-2025 election term, and the sixth budget presented by Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, since the party returned to government in August 2020.
Presenting the budget on January 26, Dr. Singh told the House that the spending plan is aligned with the PPP/C’s 2025 manifesto, which he said formed the basis of the party’s victory at the 2025 General and Regional Elections.
He added that the budget was also framed against President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s inaugural address on September 7, 2025, and his Presidential Address on December 17, 2025, which he said outlined the administration’s priorities for the coming years.
Under the theme “Putting People First,” the minister argued that the 2026 budget is designed to deliver measurable improvements in the lives and opportunities for Guyanese. No new taxes were imposed to finance the 2026 programme.
This year’s fiscal plan focuses on boosting disposable income and expanding social protection, while continuing large-scale investment in infrastructure and key services, including energy, education, health, housing, water, and agriculture, alongside a resilient and fiscally responsible macroeconomic framework.
In terms of sector allocations, the ministry said $196.1 billion was earmarked for the continued development of roads and bridges, $183.6 billion was set aside to support education initiatives, and $161.1 billion was allocated to advance health care.
A whopping $159.1 billion was designated to support housing development, while $119.4 billion was approved for the continued implementation of the government’s energy strategy, including upgrades to the transmission and distribution network.
Additionally, $113.2 billion was allocated to aggressive investment in agriculture and food security, and $100.3 billion was allocated to further developing a modern, well-equipped public security sector.
Closing the debate, Dr. Singh said the government intends to work continuously over the next five years to win the confidence of all Guyanese, including those who did not support the party at the polls.
