The Bank of Albania's Supervisory Council approved the Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises Financing Program (MSMEsFP) to enhance credit access for MSMEs through commercial banks. Eligible banks can access long-term funding below the policy rate, provided the liquidity is used exclusively for MSME financing. The Council also approved its 2025 work programme and meeting schedule.
The Bank of Albania’s Supervisory Council approved the Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises Financing Program (MSMEsFP) and its accompanying documentation, creating a structured instrument for commercial banks to expand access to credit for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in Albania. The Council also approved its 2025 work programme and the schedule of Supervisory Council meetings for the year.
Under the MSMEsFP, eligible banks with access to the Bank of Albania’s monetary operations would be able to obtain long-term funding at a cost lower than the policy rate, subject to an obligation to use the liquidity exclusively to finance MSMEs. The programme is expected to lower borrowing costs relative to current long-term SME lending rates, while keeping credit risk with commercial banks; the liquidity injection will be secured by collateral similar to that accepted in standard operations. Implementation will be via commercial banks operating in Albania that are licensed, regulated and supervised by the Bank of Albania.
The meeting schedule is to be published on the Bank of Albania’s website.
Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko emphasized improving agricultural sector access to finance, highlighting a new Financing Program for MSMEs as a key channel. The program, backed by an ALL 25 billion fund, aims to reduce borrowing costs and support investment, with commercial banks allocating funds at their own risk. The Governor also urged…
Governor Gent Sejko of the Bank of Albania emphasized enhancing credit to Albania's agricultural sector, noting its structural weakness despite its economic significance. The central bank adjusted its Financing Programme to focus on MSMEs to boost agricultural lending. Sejko highlighted the Government's sovereign guarantee scheme as a tool to…
The Bank of Albania reported on a meeting led by the Ministry of Finance to assess Albania’s Sovereign Guarantee Scheme and MSME Financing Programme, focusing on enhancing access to finance for farmers and agricultural businesses. Discussions addressed credit transmission, operational challenges, and financial stability. Governor Gent Sejko…