PARAMARIBO, SURINAME – Suriname’s workforce is poised to be better prepared for the emerging offshore oil and gas industry in the coming years. The Surinamese government, Staatsolie, and TotalEnergies took the first step toward this goal on Wednesday. The parties signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during the Suriname Energy, Oil and Gas Summit (SEOGS) 2026.
The agreement, titled the Suriname Capacity Program (SURCAP), covers the next four years and aims to directly align local education and vocational training with the specific needs of the oil sector. The collaboration provides for the parties to jointly review education and training programs in the fields of oil, gas, and energy and bring them in line with international standards.
The collaboration also includes the modernization of laboratories and technical training facilities, as well as the implementation of training programs for teachers and instructors.
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According to Staatsolie’s Managing Director Annand Jagesar, the state-owned company has allocated approximately US$500,000 for this year. “As Surinamese, we want to do everything we can to ensure this project succeeds. People can count on us,” he assured.
Next year, another amount will be set aside based on global developments. Jagesar called on young people across the country to be assertive and open to the opportunities being offered. “You’re living in a golden age right now, so take advantage of it,” he urged the youth.
The agreement was signed by Minister Dirk Currie of Education, Science, and Culture, along with his colleagues Andre Misiekaba of Public Health, Welfare, and Labor, and Patrick Brunings of Oil, Gas, and Environment. Although President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons did not sign the agreement herself, she was present to witness the event. Jagesar signed on behalf of Staatsolie, while TotalEnergies Suriname was represented by its General Manager, Artur Nunes da Silva. The project is also supported by approximately 40 local and international companies that are already active in Suriname.
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“Today is an important moment in the history of education in Suriname. We are not just signing a piece of paper, we are signing a pact for the future of our youth,” said Minister Currie. According to him, this agreement aligns with the government’s policy of leaving no one behind and providing every child with equal access to education.
According to Nunes da Silva, this project will have a significant impact in Suriname. In the first phase, more than 150 teachers and instructors will be trained. The pilot will be implemented in the districts of Paramaribo, Wanica, and Saramacca. Seven schools and two training centers will be built, directly involving nearly 4,000 students at all vocational levels.
The initiative comes as Suriname prepares for its first offshore oil development, the GranMorgu project in Block 58, which is expected to create demand for a larger pool of skilled local workers across technical and vocational disciplines.
