Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj announced that the Albanian Development Bank is now a legal entity. It will start operations in 2026.

Earlier, the law creating the bank was approved in the first half of last year. This step makes the long-standing idea of a development bank a reality. The bank will support the private sector and boost investments in Albania.

The bank is registered and built in cooperation with Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, an Italian institution with over 100 years of experience.

Moreover, the bank will follow a model similar to Cassa Depositi e Prestiti. It is vital for Albania, especially during European integration and periods that require investment and easier access to finance for the private sector.

The Development Bank will operate as a wholesale institution. It will not give direct loans to individuals, except in special cases with partner banks. This structure will form a network to fund large projects.

Additionally, international institutions will assist the bank, including the French Investment Bank, mainly in monitoring risks.

Minister Ibrahimaj emphasized that the bank’s governance ensures independence from political influence. It also guarantees professional decision-making and focuses on economic development and stability.

Furthermore, the bank will modernize Albania’s private sector. It will provide affordable finance, promoting sustainable economic growth.

The bank will fund public and private projects locally and nationally. It will create cooperation bridges between public and private capital.

Finally, the Albanian Development Bank will operate as a joint-stock company. The Ministry of Finance will be the main shareholder with an initial capital of 10 billion lek.

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