In her first annual address, President Jennifer Geerlings‑Simons announced the launch of a National Local Content Program beginning in 2026, designed to ensure that Surinamese workers and businesses are directly involved in the nation’s expanding oil and gas industry. As part of this effort, the government plans to establish regional hubs in Nickerie, Commewijne, and Brokopondo that will provide training, certifications and access to financing, enabling local entrepreneurs and technicians to compete for work across the energy supply chain. These measures come alongside proposed legislation requiring foreign companies to engage Surinamese workers and suppliers in large‑scale projects.

Nickerie, located on the western border with Guyana, is poised to become a key logistics and supply base; significant progress toward construction of the deep‑water Port of Nickerie and associated special economic zone is underway, creating opportunities for fabricators, transport operators and offshore support services. With consultation from international port developers and planned facilities intended to support LNG export and industrial activity, Nickerie is positioning itself as both a physical and commercial gateway to offshore operations.

Commewijne is similarly leveraging its strategic location on the Suriname River to attract industrial investment. Its proximity to Paramaribo and transportation links makes it an ideal staging ground for fabrication yards, warehousing, and technical skills training centers that align with anticipated demand from oilfield services and maintenance companies. Local educational institutions are engaging with energy firms to tailor training in welding, mechanical services and project management – essential skills that help ensure Surinamese workers can capture high‑value jobs on energy projects.

Meanwhile, Brokopondo is redefining its traditional role as a power generation hub. With ongoing optimization at the hydroelectric facility that supplies a large portion of Suriname’s grid, the district is now being seen as a platform for industrial manufacturing, engineering services and hybrid energy solutions that complement oil and gas operations. As the energy sector increasingly integrates renewables and electrification technologies, Brokopondo’s energy‑focused workforce and infrastructure base could attract investment for equipment assembly, maintenance and green‑energy integration services.

The alignment of these regional initiatives with Suriname’s national energy agenda signals a strategic shift toward retaining economic value, creating jobs and ensuring communities directly benefit from the sector’s growth. This focus is central to the Local Content Track at CEW 2026, where government leaders, investors and service providers will convene in Paramaribo to explore concrete pathways for local enterprise participation and strategic partnerships.

For investors and regional stakeholders, the rise of hub development in districts such as Nickerie, Commewijne and Brokopondo offers a compelling proposition: a diversified economic base, a skilled local workforce and infrastructure readiness that mitigates risk and enhances returns. By leveraging the unique strengths of these regions in line with national energy projects and local content mandates, Suriname is shaping a model of regional empowerment tied to sustainable industrial growth.

Join us in shaping the future of Caribbean energy. To participate in this landmark event, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.