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ADGF and Union Bank Expand Cooperation under the EU–KfW Guarantee Programme

Tirana, 26 March 2026

Albanian Development Guarantee Foundation (ADGF) and Union Bank have signed a new guarantee agreement under the EU–KfW Western Balkans Guarantee Programme, further strengthening their cooperation in support of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Albania.

The agreement enables the implementation of the EU Guarantee Window through guarantees for loans extended to MSMEs, with the aim of improving access to finance for businesses that are economically viable but continue to face constraints related to collateral and lending requirements. Through this cooperation, ADGF and Union Bank seek to support business resilience, encourage investment and contribute to the sustainable growth of the private sector.

The partnership also reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the competitiveness of Albanian enterprises and supporting their gradual alignment with European standards, at a time when access to appropriate financing remains essential for long-term development.

The agreement was signed by Ms. Gertjana Drita, Executive Director of ADGF, and Ms. Flutura Veipi, Chief Executive Officer of Union Bank.

This new step in the cooperation between ADGF and Union Bank further broadens the use of guarantee instruments as an effective mechanism to support MSMEs and expand financing opportunities across the Albanian market.

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Gertjana Drita

Executive Director

Gertjana joined ADGF at the beginning of 2020 and currently holds the position of Executive Director at the foundation.
She has more than 15 years of experience in the banking system, covering management positions in Human Resources Management and Small & Medium Enterprises Business Department.
Gertjana has graduated in Finance & Accounting at University of Tirana and has participated in many international development trainings programs.

Laureta Domi

Chief Guarantee Officer

Laureta joined ADGF at the beginning of 2022 and currently holds the position of Chief Guarantee Officer at the foundation.
She is an experienced Finance and Banking Senior Manager with 19 years in team building, leadership, sales force effectiveness, customer experience and portfolio management.
Laureta has a Bachelor’s degree and Master of Science degree in Management from the Faculty of Economy, University of Tirana, as well as a Master Degree in Finance and Banking from the Institute Universitaire Kort Bosch, in Switzerland besides many certificated courses and trainings. She also lectures as a visiting professor in Aleksandër Moisiu University.

Ermir Çoba

Agro & RE Portfolio Manager

Ermir joined ADGF in May 2022 and is responsible for managing the Agro and Energy Efficiency/ Renewable Energy guarantee portfolio.
He has about 15 years of experience in the banking and microfinance system, holding several positions, related to credit financial analysis, risk reporting and risk assessment.
Ermir graduated in Accounting at the University of Tirana and also holds several national and international certifications in the field of accounting, risk management, financial analysis, agriculture lending, etc.

Aurela Tomini

Portfolio Manager

Aurela joined ADGF in November 2025 as a Portfolio Manager.
She is an experienced banking professional with two decades in the financial industry, having held diverse roles in sales, risk management, and product development.
Aurela graduated from the Agricultural University of Tirana, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Agri-Business in 2005. Throughout her career, she has also completed numerous professional trainings that have further strengthened her expertise in banking operations, credit processes, and financial analysis.

Besiana Lika

Chief Financial Officer & Risk Manager

Besiana joined ADGF in 2016 and is responsible for the financial management and the risk aspects of the foundation. Also, she serves as the Secretary to the Board of Directors.
She has a background in finance, accounting, risk and business analytics.
Besiana earned a Bachelor degree in Finance & Accounting in 2012 and a Master of Science in Finance in 2014, in the Faculty of Economy at the University of Tirana. Since her graduation, she is also working as a part time lecturer at the Faculty of Economy.

Stelina Shefqeti

Finance & Administration Officer

Stelina joined ADGF in 2021 and is responsible for the financial and administrative activities of the foundation.
Stelina earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance in 2020 and a Master of Science in Finance in 2022 from the Faculty of Economy, University of Tirana. In addition, she has pursued several professional courses and trainings focused on accounting, financial analysis and financial modeling.