Overview of best prospect sectors, major infrastructure projects, significant government procurements and business opportunities.
Last Published: 6/9/2016

  • Energy Technology: The national utility plans to expand and modernize electricity generation over the next five years and to incorporate liquefied natural gas into its fuel mix.  The government has announced plans to solarize several islands and has committed $50 million for new investments in renewable energy.    By early 2017, the national utility is expected to begin issuing permits for grid-tied residential solar.  Energy efficiency also remains an under-served market given new customs concessions and perennially high electricity prices. We anticipate strong demand in this sector.

  • Smart technology:  New Providence Island (home of the capital, Nassau) was designated in 2016 by the UN International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as the first “smart island. In the world.”  Grand Bahama Island has attracted international call centers and has the infrastructural capacity to host data centers and security services including cyber security.

  • Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Related Services:  The tourism sector is the largest contributor to the Bahamian economy.  As of May 2016, growth in the tourism sector remains static while the $3.6 billion Baha Mar development in Nassau, the largest tourism investment in the Caribbean, remains in receivership.   U.S. firms provided the bulk of the construction materials and fixtures for the resort and additional opportunities are expected when the three hotels in the resort become operational.  In addition, the approval of four new hotel projects ranging from $250 million to $1 billion on the island of Great Exuma is expected to create a host of direct and ancillary benefits.. 

  • Consumer Products:  All consumer products in The Bahamas are imported.  Bahamians are very brand conscious and prefer American brands that they are familiar with through frequent buying trips to the United States or from U.S. cable programming. 

  • Agricultural Products:  The Bahamas imports almost 90% of its food products, most of which come from the United States.  Bahamian consumers are familiar with, and have high regard for the quality of, American products.

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