By 2025, the global economy will grow by 2.8%, but behind that figure is a cautionary tale. While countries like South Sudan, Guyana, Rwanda and Vietnam are making economic leaps, their reality shows that growth on paper does not always lead to well-being or stability. For Suriname, about to collect billions in oil revenues, these lessons are vital. Growth without vision often ends in inequality, pollution and missed opportunities.
South Sudan and Guyana: Growth rates without progress
South Sudan's growth rate of 27% by 2025 is the highest globally driven by oil. But behind those numbers is dire poverty: more than 80% of the population lives below the poverty line. War, corruption and environmental damage undermine any progress. Oil money flows to the few, while the people remain dependent on foreign aid.
Guyana, our neighbor, is also growing at double-digit rates thanks to oil discoveries. But wealth is concentrated among a small elite and international corporations. Income inequality is growing, social tensions are increasing. The curse of natural wealth threatens to strike here too: growth without equitable distribution.
Rwanda, Costa Rica and Vietnam: Growing with vision
Some countries show how development does work.
Rwanda invests massively in people: free education, women's rights and health care take center stage. Kigali is a model of order and efficiency. Through stability and a clear vision, the country attracts investors while lifting its population. Costa Rica couples economic growth with sustainability. The country runs on 98% of renewable energy and protects its rain forests as a national asset. Free healthcare and education ensure a healthy, happy population. Tourism flourishes because of the balance between ecology and economy. Vietnam proves that growth works from the bottom up. With microfinance, agrarian reform and education, it pulled millions out of poverty. At the same time, it is betting on modern sectors, clean energy and technology.
Suriname at a crossroads
Suriname's situation is similar to Guyana's: a small population, large oil reserves, and a fragile economic base. But whether we follow a Guyanese or a Rwandan path depends on our choices now.
Without vision and governance, our oil threatens to make the elite richer, while the rest of the population continues to wait. History is clear: Countries like Nigeria made billions from oil, but struggled for decades with poverty, pollution and conflict.
Fortunately, Suriname has already taken two important steps: establishing a sovereign fund to manage oil revenues, as well as legally protecting our unique nature and biodiversity. These fundamental choices give us an edge over countries that possess the same resources but deal with them recklessly.
What Suriname needs to do next
Invest in people: Free education, relevant vocational training and technological skills are the engine of future prosperity.
Ensure inclusive growth: Let oil revenues also reach the interior through agriculture, microcredit and small-scale energy projects.
Choose leadership with vision: Without directors with integrity and determination, any strategy will remain a paper tiger.
Final thought: Not just rich, but righteous
The world is teaching us a hard lesson in 2025: growth is worth nothing if it is not felt by the people. Real development is visible in good schools, safe neighborhoods and opportunities for all.
We have in Suriname the natural wealth, the strategic location and the resilient population. But we need vision to make it a success. Let's learn from Rwanda's focus on people, Costa Rica's harmony with nature and Vietnam's commitment to grassroots development.
Let us choose justice and welfare for all. That will make Suriname truly rich.
