Venezuela’s Uncertain Future Post-Maduro
The future of Venezuela is quite unclear following the recent U.S. ground operation that removed President Nicolas Maduro from power. Yet, in the midst of this uncertainty, some investors are eyeing potential long-term opportunities in a country that has been largely closed off to international business for years.
Charles Myers, the chairman of a consulting firm, sees significant potential. He remarked, “This is a massive infrastructure project, and it could be as much as $500 billion over the next decade,” during his appearance on CNBC’s “Squawk on the Streets.”
He expressed optimism, stating, “I think people are too pessimistic. This is a huge opportunity across multiple sectors.” Myers is planning to venture to Venezuela in March, accompanied by a group of “investors, multinationals, and asset managers.”
Though he didn’t divulge the names of those joining him, he emphasized that the trip is independent from any U.S. government involvement.
In contrast, some experts view the situation as more complicated. Following the capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, on January 3, President Trump proclaimed that the U.S. would govern Venezuela. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez initially resisted Trump’s statements but has recently shown a willingness to engage with the U.S.
Many believe that Venezuela remains inaccessible until more information is revealed about the new regime. Robert Koenigsberger, managing partner at a major fund, pointed out, “Nothing has changed — not yet, anyway,” referring to the existing investment environment. He added that investors can’t simply arrive in Caracas and meet with locals given the ongoing sanctions.
Myers mentioned that the presence of U.S. troops near Venezuela offers some reassurance but acknowledged that security is a key driver for foreign investments. While he recognizes sanctions as a hurdle, he wouldn’t be surprised if some are eased in the coming months. A more open Venezuela, potentially returning to debt markets and reactivating its stock exchange, could attract further investment.
“This isn’t just a short-term investor trip. This is a chance to get serious,” he said.
Meanwhile, amidst the upheaval, companies in the oil and gas sector seem positioned to benefit. Chevron, ExxonMobil, and ConocoPhillips have not publicly commented as their stock prices have increased. Chevron’s shares jumped by 5%, leading gains on the Dow Jones Industrial Average as some investors believe it might be a major beneficiary once the nation’s oil infrastructure is rebuilt.
Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, yet most U.S. oil companies have been barred from the country since 2007 due to the nationalization of U.S. assets under former President Hugo Chávez.
President Trump has urged U.S. oil firms to invest substantial sums in restoring Venezuela’s infrastructure. However, Myers insists that opportunities extend well beyond oil and gas, noting that participants from the construction, automotive, defense, and chemical mining sectors are also interested.
“And on the asset management side, there are hedge funds, long-only investors, and possibly sovereign wealth funds as well,” he added.
Myers has organized similar excursions in conflict-affected areas before. For instance, he led a group to Syria in October 2025 after U.S. sanctions were lifted, and he also made a trip to Ukraine in early 2025.
“Some folks have tried to draw parallels between Venezuela and Iraq,” he noted. “We think a more fitting comparison is actually to East Germany in the ’90s, or Hungary and Poland during their shift from communism to capitalism.”
