Raiffeisen Bank Albania renews its partnership with the Albanian Development Guarantee Foundation to expand financial support for Albanian businesses

Raiffeisen Bank Albania and the Albanian Development Guarantee Foundation (ADGF) have renewed their cooperation agreement under the EU KfW Western Balkans Guarantee Facility, reaffirming their joint commitment to improving access to finance and supporting the growth of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Albania.The renewal of this agreement reinforces the long-standing partnership between the two institutions and aims to create greater financing opportunities for Albanian businesses seeking to invest in expanding their operations, increasing their capacities and enhancing their competitiveness.

Through this guarantee instrument, businesses will benefit from improved access to financing under more favourable conditions by reducing collateral requirements and facilitating the implementation of investment projects. The support will focus on enterprises investing in the modernization of their operations, the adoption of new technologies, the expansion of production capacities and the creation of new jobs.Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises are a cornerstone of the Albanian economy, playing a vital role in employment, innovation and private sector development. At a time when Albania's economy requires increased investment, higher productivity and deeper integration into European markets, access to finance remains a key driver of entrepreneurship, competitiveness and sustainable economic growth.

The renewed agreement aims to build on this positive impact by enabling even more businesses to implement their growth plans and contribute to a stronger, more dynamic and competitive Albanian economy.During the signing ceremony, Christian Canacaris, CEO of Raiffeisen Bank Albania, said: "A strong economy is built on strong businesses. At Raiffeisen Bank Albania, we believe that supporting MSMEs is one of the most meaningful ways we can contribute to the country's economic development

The renewal of our partnership with the Albanian Development Guarantee Foundation reflects the trust and successful cooperation between our two institutions. Through this guarantee instrument, we continue to expand financing opportunities for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, helping them invest, grow and become more competitive.When businesses have access to the right financing, they create new jobs, invest in innovation, improve productivity and make a direct contribution to the long-term development of Albania's economy.

At Raiffeisen Bank Albania, we are committed to being more than a financial institution. We are a long-term partner to businesses and to the country's economic development." Gertjana Drita, CEO of the Albanian Development Guarantee Foundation, commented: "The renewal of our cooperation agreement with Raiffeisen Bank Albania marks another important step in our continued support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in Albania.Through our guarantee instruments, we aim to reduce the barriers businesses face in accessing finance and create more opportunities for entrepreneurs to invest in the growth of their businesses. Cooperation with financial institutions such as Raiffeisen Bank Albania is essential to transforming financing opportunities into tangible results for Albanian businesses, fostering investment, employment and the sustainable development of the private sector."

The partnership between Raiffeisen Bank Albania and the Albanian Development Guarantee Foundation reflects a shared commitment to supporting private sector development and creating a more favourable environment for investment.By combining the Bank's financial expertise with the guarantee instruments provided through this programme, more Albanian businesses will be able to implement their growth plans, invest in their future and contribute to a more innovative, competitive and sustainable economy.

As one of the country's leading financial institutions, Raiffeisen Bank Albania continues to play an active role in financing the Albanian economy by supporting entrepreneurship, investment and business transformation. Through strategic partnerships such as this, the Bank reaffirms its long-term commitment to being the trusted financial partner of Albanian businesses.