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Background

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Background

ABOUT US

Albanian Development Guarantee Foundation (ADGF) was established in July 2015 under the laws of the Republic of Albania. The idea was conceived as part of the European Union (EU) framework of IPA to finance a program “Program for Rural Credit Guarantee” in Albania, with the goal of increasing household incomes in Albania’s rural areas. The activities were co-financed by the EU and the Government of Albania for a total value of 5.5 million Euro, out of which 5 million Euro were from EU and 0.5 million Euro were from the Government of Albania. The initial project running from November 2014 through March 2016 was implemented by KfW, the German Development Bank.

The Foundation’s capital was increased through additional contributions of 30 million Euro (in 2018); 6.8 million Euro (in 2020) and 6 million Euro (in 2021) provided by the German Government through KfW, which continues to support the Foundation through technical assistance.

Formerly known as Rural Credit Guarantee Foundation (RCGF), the institution changed its name to Albanian Development Guarantee Foundation (ADGF) in December 2021. This change came in the context of expanding the scope of coverage for the guaranteed activities in order to be in line with the mission and vision of the foundation.

In 2024, the Foundation has also signed a 16.13 million Euro Financing Agreement with KfW, funded by EU, under the project “EU-KfW Western Balkans Guarantee – Supporting Entrepreneurs’ and MSMEs’ Resilience,” aimed at supporting manufacturing firms, rural businesses, and entrepreneurs through guarantee instruments provided to partner financial institutions.

Our Identity

Mission

Albanian Development Guarantee Foundation Mission is to provide access to finance, with the purpose to broaden the credit access in an underserved micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across all sectors of the economy, due to lack of or insufficient collateral, to enable them to either survive or regain some lost capacity, resulting in job retention, recreation or creation.

Vision

Albanian Development Guarantee Foundation Vision is to be Albania’s leading national development guarantee partner that expands financial access for underserved MSMEs, by fostering sustainable growth, strong partnerships, and long-term resilience in the Albanian economy.

ADGF’s operations are guided by 5 Core Values

Strong Partnerships

Building trusted collaborations with financial institutions and development partners to expand access to finance for underserved MSMEs.

Flexibility and Speed

We respond quickly and adapt to changing market needs to ensure timely and effective support.

Open Communication

Fostering transparency, accountability, and constructive dialogue with all stakeholders.

Additionality

We provide guarantees that generate financing which would not otherwise happen, ensuring real economic impact.

Sustainability

We support responsible economic, social, and environmental growth while ensuring ADGF’s own institutional sustainability, credibility, and financial strength.

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.