Promoting the socio-ecological transformation of the economy and improving training and employment in Albania and Kosovo
Project term: 01.01.2023-31.12.2025
Albania and Kosovo are managing long-term political and economic transition. Growth of 3–5% is primarily driven by tourism, foreign direct investment and remittances from abroad. The closer integration with European Union is opening new prospects – particularly for Albania, where EU accession negotiations began in July 2022; but it cannot mask underlying structural challenges. The informal sector is significant, accounting for over 30% of gross domestic product, and unemployment is high, particularly among young people.
This also hinders financial inclusion, as people in informal employment have little access to financial services. Albania and Kosovo have relatively young populations. Investment in education, vocational training, and job creation opens major opportunities for innovation and growth.
The project aims to improve the supply of sustainable financial services to the population and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in rural areas, and to increase their use through financial and entrepreneurial education. In this way, it helps to strengthen the local economy and create quality jobs.
The project focuses on: - Embedding financial and entrepreneurial education within universities, business associations and NGOs - Strengthening the capacity of financial institutions to support the socio-ecological transition - Raising public awareness through campaigns and events campaigns and events
Financed by
Local Partners
» Bank of Albania » Central Bank of Kosovo » Banking and MFI associations » MFIs with a strategic focus on MSMEs in rural areas » Various initiatives for rural development » Universities and colleges
By working on this project, we are contributing to the fulfillment of these Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in accordance with the 2030 Agenda:
German Sparkassen-stiftung
The German Sparkassenstiftung for International Cooperation is the development-policy arm of the Sparkassen-Finanzgruppe. Its task is to disseminate the successful Sparkasse idea across borders and around the globe. The German Sparkassenstiftung strengthens financial institutions and promotes financial literacy for all segments of the population. This broadens access to financial services and helps to create jobs and generate income.
