EBRD Launches €10 Million Initiative to Support Sustainable Growth in Albania’s SME Sector

EBRD Launches €10 Million Initiative to Support Sustainable Growth in Albania’s SME Sector

(IN BRIEF) The EBRD has launched a €10 million financial package for Tirana Bank, including a €5 million SME Reboot loan to help Albanian SMEs invest in green technologies and a €5 million trade finance facility to expand the bank’s trade operations. The green loan will provide cash-back incentives for local businesses investing in sustainable technologies and improving compliance with EU standards, supported by donor funds from Denmark, Luxembourg, Norway, Switzerland, and the United States. The trade finance facility will help Tirana Bank enhance its trade services, support import-export operations, and strengthen regional connectivity. EBRD Managing Director Charlotte Ruhe and Tirana Bank CEO Dritan Mustafa highlighted the partnership as a major step toward promoting sustainability, competitiveness, and innovation in Albania’s private sector.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 10-Oct-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is strengthening Albania’s financial sector through a new €10 million financial package for Tirana Bank, marking the first collaboration between the two institutions. The initiative combines green financing and trade finance facilities designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) modernise operations, adopt sustainable technologies, and expand their trade activities across the region.

Driving Green Transformation for Albanian SMEs

A key element of the package is a €5 million senior loan provided under the EBRD’s SME Reboot Programme. The loan will enable micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Albania to invest in energy-efficient and environmentally friendly technologies that enhance productivity and align their operations with European Union (EU) standards.

Participating businesses will also benefit from a cash-back incentive of up to 10 per cent of their loan amount, helping make green investments more affordable. This grant component is supported by Luxembourg, Norway, Switzerland, the United States, and Denmark through the EBRD’s Small Business Impact Fund.

By promoting cleaner technologies and improving competitiveness, the project supports Albania’s long-term goals of economic modernization and environmental sustainability, while helping local firms prepare for deeper integration with EU markets.

Expanding Trade Finance to Strengthen Regional Commerce

The second component of the initiative is a €5 million trade finance facility under the EBRD’s Trade Facilitation Programme (TFP). The facility will allow Tirana Bank to expand its trade operations, build stronger relationships with international confirming banks, and provide clients with greater access to short-term trade finance solutions, including pre-shipment and post-shipment loans.

The programme is supported by technical assistance to enhance Tirana Bank’s institutional capacity, trade finance expertise, and product offering — further reinforcing its role in promoting intra-regional and international trade.

Charlotte Ruhe, EBRD Managing Director for Central and South-Eastern Europe, said:
“We are delighted to begin our partnership with Tirana Bank to increase access to green finance and trade support in Albania. This collaboration strengthens regional competitiveness, supports sustainable growth, and helps local businesses align with international best practices. By combining funding with technical assistance, we are unlocking new pathways for innovation and resilience in Albania’s private sector.”

Strengthening Albania’s Financial System

Founded in 1996 as the country’s first privately owned bank, Tirana Bank has grown into a leading universal bank offering corporate and retail services nationwide. It is known for its commitment to innovation, financial inclusion, and sustainable business growth.

Dritan Mustafa, CEO of Tirana Bank, commented:
“Partnering with the EBRD represents an important step in our mission to empower Albanian enterprises. Through the SME Reboot Programme, we are enabling local businesses to adopt green technologies, while the trade finance facility enhances our ability to support cross-border trade. Together, these initiatives reinforce Tirana Bank’s role as a key driver of sustainable and inclusive growth in Albania.”

Since 1991, the EBRD has invested more than €2.3 billion in 168 projects across Albania, supporting sectors ranging from energy and infrastructure to finance and agribusiness. This new partnership marks another significant milestone in advancing the country’s green and competitive economy.

Media Contact:

Joel Cela
Email: media@ebrd.com 

SOURCE: EBRD