Suriname Local Content Conference 2025 concludes with roadmap for inclusive growth
Paramaribo, Suriname:
Suriname has taken a major step toward ensuring that the benefits of its emerging oil and gas industry are shared equitably and sustainably with its citizens.
The Local Content Conference 2025, themed “Financing the Future: Local Content, Green Growth and Partnerships”, brought together government officials, business leaders, financial institutions, and civil society from across the country and abroad to discuss strategies for building a more inclusive and resilient economy.
Over three days of dialogue, delegates explored innovative financing models, sustainable energy strategies, and frameworks to strengthen local participation in Suriname’s economic growth.
The conference emphasized the importance of planning for the oil era, avoiding the resource curse, and ensuring that all sectors of the economy benefit from the country’s natural resources.
The conference had Afreximbank as its key sponsor, while Oando PLC, Pritipaul Singh Investments/Orbillo, and Omni Systems served as affiliate sponsors. Strategic partners included Staatsolie, the Energy Authority of Suriname (EAS), TotalEnergies, Central Energy/Century Tamara Logistics Services (CTLS) and Simpson International Consulting Group.
Key outcomes from the conference included a consensus on the need for a unified national definition and framework for local content, encompassing workforce development, ownership, technology transfer, and cross-sector growth. Delegates recognized that sustainable, renewable, and affordable energy is central to enabling local businesses and communities to thrive, and that transparent policies, regulatory clarity, and inclusive procurement practices are essential for meaningful participation of Surinamese companies.
Dawn Simpson, CEO of Simpson International Consulting Group and panelist at the conference, emphasized the importance of legislation in supporting local content development. “It is imperative that Suriname focus on the Laws for Local Content to ensure the locals have a place in the oil and gas space,” Simpson said. “By partnering international experienced companies with local businesses, we can create a thriving local content ecosystem that benefits the entire nation.”
The Managing Director of Century Tamara Logistics Services, Sheldon Davids, emphasized the importance of preparedness for Suriname, highlighting the need for strategic planning to maximize the benefits of its oil and gas resources.
Anthony Gee, a visionary venture capitalist, shared his experience transforming Atlanta’s urban landscape through Koncept Houses, an innovative coworking space that provides beautifully designed, sun-drenched private studios and shared spaces tailored to meet the needs of growing businesses. “Koncept Houses demonstrate the potential for urban renewal and local economic empowerment,” Gee said.
“In Suriname, we can leverage similar strategies to support local entrepreneurs and foster a thriving business ecosystem.”
Reginald Vigilant and Carl Yearwood of Omni Systems highlighted the critical importance of protecting data in Suriname’s emerging oil and gas industry. “As Suriname develops its local content framework, it’s essential to prioritize data security and protection to safeguard national interests and build trust among stakeholders,” they emphasized.
Delegates also noted the importance of learning from international best practices, with many citing countries like Nigeria and Norway as valuable examples to draw from. “We have to learn from the ones who have been there,” one delegate noted. “Countries like Nigeria and Norway are great places to learn from, both in terms of successes and challenges.”
Discussions also highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships, SME capacity development, and improved access to financing as critical elements for creating a robust local content ecosystem. In addition to the sessions, delegates participated in field visits and business-to-business meetings, and had the honor of visiting Vice President Gregory Rusland in his office, where they discussed the outcomes of the conference and strategies to advance the local content agenda nationally.
During a breakout session, delegates shared their own definitions of local content, emphasizing inclusivity, capacity building, technology transfer, and cultural preservation. Many stressed that local content should not be limited to the oil and gas sector but should encompass the broader Surinamese economy.
The conference concluded with actionable recommendations, including the creation of a Local Content Development Fund, the establishment of a regulatory authority, sector-specific targets, and mechanisms for continuous monitoring and review. The full report and official recommendations from the conference will be published soon in the form of a communiqué, providing a roadmap for government, industry, and civil society to collaborate effectively in achieving Suriname’s sustainable development goals.
Contact: info@surinamelocalcontent.com
