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ADGF Renews Partnership with Raiffeisen Bank Albania to Strengthen MSME Support under the EU–KfW Western Balkans Guarantee Programme

Tirana, 15 July 2026

The Albanian Development Guarantee Foundation (ADGF) has renewed its partnership with Raiffeisen Bank Albania through the signing of a new agreement under the EU–KfW Western Balkans Guarantee Programme. The agreement strengthens the cooperation between the two institutions in supporting the resilience and competitiveness of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), particularly as Albania advances towards European Union accession and integration into European markets.

Building on the successful cooperation between the two institutions, the new agreement further integrates the programme’s guarantee mechanism into Raiffeisen Bank Albania’s lending operations. This cooperation aims to expand the use of guarantee instruments, improving access to finance for MSMEs while supporting investment, innovation and the sustainable development of the private sector.

Through this guarantee mechanism, businesses will benefit from improved financing opportunities by reducing collateral-related barriers and creating greater opportunities to invest in business modernization, technological upgrades, increased production capacity and job creation.

Ms. Gertjana Drita, Executive Director of ADGF, stated:

“Renewing our partnership with Raiffeisen Bank Albania marks an important step in continuing our support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in Albania. Through guarantee instruments, we aim to create greater financing opportunities for Albanian businesses, supporting investment, competitiveness and the sustainable development of the private sector. Cooperation with partner financial institutions such as Raiffeisen Bank Albania remains essential to translating these instruments into tangible results for the Albanian economy.”

Mr. Christian Canacaris, CEO of Raiffeisen Bank Albania, said:

“Renewing our partnership with the Albanian Development Guarantee Foundation reflects the successful cooperation between our two institutions and our shared commitment to supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. Through this guarantee instrument, we continue to expand financing opportunities for Albanian businesses, helping them invest, grow and become more competitive. We believe that a stronger private sector contributes directly to the long-term development of the Albanian economy.”

The agreement forms part of ADGF’s ongoing implementation of the EU–KfW Western Balkans Guarantee Programme in cooperation with partner financial institutions, contributing to the development of a more resilient and competitive MSME sector in Albania.

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Edvin Myftiu

Chief Risk Officer

Edvin leads risk management at ADGF as Chief Risk Officer, a position he assumed in June 2026.
A seasoned banker with more than 23 years in Albania's financial sector, he built his career across lending, branch, regional and district leadership, network sales and micro & small enterprise banking. That front-line credit experience shapes his approach at ADGF — managing risk with discipline while keeping the Foundation's guarantees working for Albanian MSMEs.
Edvin graduated in Agro-Business from the Agricultural University of Tirana in 2001 and has completed various trainings and certifications during his professional career.

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

Besiana joined ADGF in 2016 and is responsible for the financial management 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.