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EU-KfW Western Balkans Guarantee Launched to Strengthen MSMEs Access to Finance in Albania

Tirana, 22 January 2026 – The EU–KfW Western Balkans Guarantee Programme was officially launched in Tirana, marking an important milestone in strengthening access to finance for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Albania.

The launch event brought together representatives of the Ministry of Finance, the European Union, German Development Cooperation through KfW, the Albanian Development Guarantee Foundation (ADGF), partner financial institutions, and other key stakeholders.

Addressing the event, Mr. Endrit Yzeiraj, Deputy Minister of Finance of Albania, highlighted the role of ADGF as a key institutional player in Albania’s development finance landscape, underlining its contribution to strengthening the country’s financial architecture in close cooperation with international partners and domestic financial institutions.

Representing German Development Cooperation, Mr. Iven Schad, Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy, emphasized Germany’s long-term commitment to sustainable private sector development through KfW Development Bank, highlighting that the EU–KfW Guarantee supports not only risk sharing, but also the development of institutions and markets aligned with European practices.

Ms. Jenni Lundmark, Programme Manager at the EU Delegation to Albania, reaffirmed the European Union’s support for improving MSME access to finance as a driver of economic growth, job creation, and competitiveness, noting that guarantee instruments help addresses market gaps, mobilize private capital, and align Albania’s financial sector with EU standards.

In her remarks, Ms. Gertjana Drita, Executive Director of Albanian Development Guarantee Foundation (ADGF), presented ADGF’s role as the implementing institution of the guarantee scheme in Albania and its commitment to transparency, sound governance, and cooperation with partner financial institutions.

The event also featured the presentation of a market assessment on access to finance for MSMEs in Albania, delivered by Ms. Senida Mesi, confirming that financing constraints remain a key challenge for MSME growth and underlining the relevance of the EU–KfW Guarantee in addressing identified market gaps.

The EU–KfW Western Balkans Guarantee Programme contributes to strengthening Albania’s financial sector, supporting private sector development, and advancing the country’s path towards European integration.

EU-KfW Western Balkans Guarantee Launched to Strengthen MSMEs Access to Finance in Albania

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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

Senior Portfolio Manager

Laureta joined ADGF at the beginning of 2022 and currently holds the position of Senior Portfolio Manager 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.