EBRD Partners with Raiffeisen Bank to Support Digital Transformation of SMEs in Bosnia and Herzegovina

EBRD Partners with Raiffeisen Bank to Support Digital Transformation of SMEs in Bosnia and Herzegovina

(IN BRIEF) The EBRD is lending €10 million to Raiffeisen Bank Bosnia and Herzegovina under the Go Digital in Western Balkans Programme, aimed at boosting SMEs’ competitiveness through digitalisation, sustainability, and green economy technologies. The programme is supported by EU grants to make investments more affordable.

(PRESS RELEASE) LONDON, 26-Feb-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced a €10 million loan to Raiffeisen Bank in Bosnia and Herzegovina to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their digital and automation technology investments. This loan is part of the Go Digital in Western Balkans Programme, a regional initiative designed to enhance the digital capabilities of businesses, drive innovation, and support sustainable growth across the private sector. The programme is also backed by technical assistance and incentive payments funded by the European Union.

The primary goal of the Go Digital Programme is to empower SMEs in Bosnia and Herzegovina to embrace automation and digitalisation, ensuring that these businesses remain competitive in an increasingly digitalised economy. A key focus of the initiative is to support the transition to green economy technologies, enabling businesses to adopt sustainable solutions that not only enhance their environmental resilience but also align with EU standards. By providing SMEs with the resources to modernise their operations, the programme helps increase their trade potential and global competitiveness.

Another vital aspect of the programme is its commitment to promoting inclusive growth. Special attention is given to ensuring that women-led businesses have equal access to the finance and digital tools necessary to thrive in a competitive market. The initiative aims to strengthen the private sector by fostering a more diverse and resilient business landscape.

Stela Melnic, EBRD Head for Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasized the importance of the programme, stating: “Supporting the digital and green transition of SMEs is crucial for building a competitive and resilient economy. This initiative not only drives innovation and sustainability but also ensures that businesses, particularly those led by women, can access the financing and growth opportunities they need to succeed in local and international markets.”

Antonella Di Sandri, Head of Operations Section for Economic Development at the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, highlighted the EU’s ongoing support for digital transformation, saying: “The EU is committed to fostering long-term economic growth through digital innovation. With €40 million allocated to the Go Digital regional programme, the EU is helping businesses across the Western Balkans invest in the digital technologies that will improve their competitiveness and sustainability. The EBRD’s partnership with Raiffeisen Bank is a key step in making these investments more accessible and affordable for SMEs.”

Raiffeisen Bank’s President, Rainer Schnabl, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating: “We are proud to be the first bank in Bosnia and Herzegovina to offer enhanced financial support to companies focused on digitalisation and automation. Joining the Go Digital in Western Balkans programme marks a significant step in helping our clients improve their operational efficiency and remain competitive in the global market.”

The EBRD’s ongoing support for Bosnia and Herzegovina includes over €3 billion in investments across 242 projects since its inception in the country in 1996. The bank continues to prioritise the promotion of green economy initiatives, the development of a competitive private sector, and regional integration.

Media contact:

Tel: +44 207 338 7805
Email: Group-PressUnit@ebrd.com

SOURCE: EBRD