The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), in partnership with the European Union, is providing a €25 million guarantee to ProCredit Bank Albania to support up to €50 million in new lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Albania. The facility, announced on 15 July 2026, is designed to unlock financing for underserved segments, including women-led and youth-led businesses, companies outside Tirana, and firms in agribusiness and tourism, with half of the guaranteed portfolio allocated to green investments under the EBRD's Green Economy Transition approach.
The guarantee covers 50 percent of the credit risk of a newly originated SME loan portfolio, with first-loss risk cover provided by the EU through the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+) under the Growth4All programme for the Western Balkans and Türkiye. This is the EBRD's second portfolio risk-sharing transaction in Albania, broadening financial instruments available for private-sector development and financial inclusion. A technical cooperation package, also funded by the EU under EFSD+, will support capacity building for project implementation and green economy transition.
Ekaterina Solovova, EBRD Head of Albania, said SMEs are the backbone of Albania's economy but many face challenges securing financing, and the facility will unlock new lending, supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, job creation, and green investment. EU Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato noted that the Albanian economy depends on SME success and that the EU supports this through EFSD+, which promotes sustainable investment across the Western Balkans. Mirsad Haliti, CEO of ProCredit Bank Albania, said the partnership increases access to finance and helps businesses grow, strengthening Albania's private sector and long-term economic development.
ProCredit Bank Albania is an SME-focused bank and a wholly owned subsidiary of ProCredit Holding, a Germany-based banking group and long-standing EBRD partner. The EBRD has invested almost €2.5 billion in Albania through over 180 projects to date.