Guyana Development Bank Act 2026: Establishment of the Guyana Development Bank

The Guyana Development Bank Act 2026 legally establishes the Guyana Development Bank as a public institution designed to expand access to financing for small and medium-sized enterprises and support their establishment, operation and expansion. The legislation was preceded by the Guyana Development Bank Bill 2026, Bill No. 5 of 2026, which was introduced in the National Assembly on June 5, 2026 and passed on July 27, 2026. President Irfaan Ali subsequently officially signed the Guyana Development Bank Act 2026 into law, enabling the next administrative and operational phase required to launch the institution nationwide. The Bank is authorized to provide loans to small and medium-sized enterprises with or without collateral and with or without charging interest, participate in co-financing arrangements and provide technical, advisory, training and business-mentoring services. Under the Government policy announced and financed through Budget 2026, a microcredit window of up to three million Guyana dollars per beneficiary at zero interest and without collateral is envisaged to improve access to capital for entrepreneurs and small businesses facing barriers in the conventional financial system. Groups and sectors identified as potential beneficiaries include small farmers, fisherfolk, agro-processors, small manufacturers, youth, women, persons with disabilities, entrepreneurs and hinterland communities. The institution has authorized capital of approximately forty billion Guyana dollars and forms part of the Government strategy to broaden financial inclusion, promote entrepreneurship, strengthen productive activity, support economic diversification and improve access to financing in sectors including agriculture and agro-processing.