CONVERSATIONS

Arriving in Albania after more than twenty-five years of international experience within the Intesa Sanpaolo Group, the CEO of Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania shares with Albania Economia Magazine his vision of the country’s future, the role of younger generations, and the transformations reshaping both the banking sector and the wider business landscape.   You have been in Albania for only …

On Albania’s path toward the European Union, the key question is not only institutional alignment, but the ability to build concrete models capable of preparing future generations for a more competitive economy. One of these models already exists. Developed by Junior Achievement of Albania and fully integrated into the national education system, it reaches hundreds of thousands of students every …

Agreement to build naval vessels in Pashaliman. JV structured with 51% Fincantieri and 49% KAYO, targeting the Albanian Navy and international export markets.   Fincantieri and KAYO have signed an agreement to establish a joint venture in the naval shipbuilding sector in Albania, focused on the construction and maintenance of vessels for the Albanian Navy and international markets. The new …

In a context where the gap between education systems and the labor market remains one of the main barriers to development, there are models that are redefining the role of schools. We discussed this with Salvatore Nigro, CEO of Junior Achievement Europe. Founded in 1919, Junior Achievement is today the world’s largest non-profit organization dedicated to economic and entrepreneurial education …

Albania is accelerating its digital transformation by awarding the construction of its first large-scale national data center to Israeli company Albania Data Center (ADC). The strategic project, valued at approximately €100 million, will be located within the TEDA Special Economic Zone near Tirana and aims to position the country as an emerging technology hub in Southeast Europe. The data center …

The European Union has strengthened its support for Albania’s economic transformation by releasing approximately €99 million under the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. The funding marks a significant milestone in Albania’s modernization process and confirms Brussels’ confidence in the country’s reform progress. The financial support was approved after Albania successfully completed more than half of the reform benchmarks …

Strategic agreement aims to export renewable energy and strengthen Mediterranean energy security Albania is preparing to take a major strategic step in the energy sector through an ambitious international project involving Italy and the United Arab Emirates. The three countries have signed a cooperation agreement to develop a subsea electricity interconnection across the Adriatic Sea, with an estimated investment exceeding …

Tourism has emerged as one of the strongest drivers of Albania’s economic growth, with the country recording more than 12 million international visitors in 2025, marking a new historical record and strengthening Albania’s position as one of the fastest-growing Mediterranean destinations. The expansion of the tourism sector is generating significant spillover effects across multiple industries, including construction, real estate, hospitality, …

From Outsourcing to Co-Design: Albania No Longer Competes on Cost, but on its Ability to Solve Complex Problems. Stavri Pici, CEO of Armundia Factory and Coordinator of the ICT & BPO Group of the Camera di Commercio Italiana in Albania – CCIA and Confindustria Albania, describes an ecosystem that has stopped chasing Europe and has begun to collaborate with it …

In this exclusive interview, Albino Angeli, CEO of Xlam Dolomiti, shares the company’s vision and strategic expansion into the Balkans. The Trentino-based firm, part of the Paterno Group, specializes in the production of cross-laminated solid wood panels (Xlam/CLT) and has recently opened its new office in Tirana. With its advanced timber construction technology, Xlam Dolomiti designs and builds safe, sustainable, …

Albania’s economy continues to demonstrate resilience and steady expansion, with growth prospects exceeding previous expectations. According to the latest World Bank outlook for the Western Balkans, Albania’s GDP is projected to grow by approximately 3.7% in 2025, with stable growth expected to continue in the following years. Economic expansion is being driven primarily by the services sector, the construction industry, …

As part of the Conversations Across Albania Diaspora series, this conversation led by Besara Kaja features Aina Hoti, one of the most prominent figures in the Albanian diaspora in Switzerland, known for her remarkable work in promoting Albanian culture, traditions, and empowering women abroad. Aina Hoti is the founder of Swiss Albania Event and a passionate advocate dedicated to preserving …

On September 1st, Frut’za, a warm and sustainability-driven venue in Tirana, hosted GreenPacting 2025. The event brought together partner organizations, business leaders, students, and young professionals with one shared mission: building a greener and more inclusive future.   An event with sustainability at its core On September 1, 2025, Frut’za, a venue designed with sustainability in mind, became the stage …

A series by Albania Economia Magazine –led by Besara Kaja. In this episode of “Conversations Across the Albanian Diaspora”, we have the pleasure of speaking with Shkëlqim Baku, one of the most distinct voices of the Albanian diaspora in Italy. Founder of Regina Corner in the heart of Venice—a space that blends elegance, art, and culture—Baku is a shining example …

Leaving home is never easy. But for many young Albanians, it’s the first step toward a new beginning. Aurrel Kondi’s journey from Tirana to Berlin is a story of courage, reinvention, and a deep-rooted commitment to community. In Berlin, he not only built a career in digital marketing and real estate, but also became a voice for Albanian professionals abroad …

Albania Economia interviewed Cristiano D’Auria, founder of D’Auria Packaging, who, with over 50 years of experience in luxury packaging, brought his family tradition to Albania, where he established DPrint Europe in 2017, with facilities in Tirana and Durres. Combining Italian know-how with a strong commitment to innovation, DPrint Europe has emerged as one of the country’s most advanced companies, earning …

After eight years at the helm of Confindustria Albania, Sergio Fontana reflects on the journey that has seen the association grow, strengthen, and become a key point of reference for Italian businesses in the country. From 2017 to today, the Albanian economic landscape has undergone significant changes: investments in infrastructure, tax reforms, and digitalization have contributed to making Albania increasingly …

The Italian Senate has officially ratified a historic social security agreement with Albania, ensuring that workers who have contributed to both pension systems can merge their contributions and secure retirement benefits. After more than 15 years of negotiations, this milestone strengthens the legal and economic ties between the two nations, benefiting thousands of Albanians in Italy and Italian workers in …

Through outsourcing of critical processes with Armundia Factory, MAIOR enhances its production capacity and accelerates the release of new software versions. MAIOR (Management Artificial Intelligence and Operations Research), a global leader in the design and development of software solutions for public transport, chose Armundia Factory—a subsidiary of Armundia Group specializing in advanced ICT services—to support and improve its operational and …

Architect Andrea Michelini, CEO and co-founder of MAU Architetture, winner of the UNDP competition, discusses the regeneration of the Cerovo Creative Hub, a sustainable and multidisciplinary project. This ambitious initiative involves the expertise of Italian, Albanian, and Montenegrin teams, combining diverse skills to revitalize the cultural and economic heritage of the region.   What motivated you to participate in the …

TimeFlow, an innovative startup and Benefit Corporation based in Milan and Lecce, is transforming the IT sector with an AI-based platform. After achieving success in Italy and with ongoing international expansion, the startup is now looking with interest at the Albanian market. We spoke with Lorenzo Danese, CEO of TimeFlow, to learn more.   TimeFlow is a rapidly emerging player …

The Group aims to become a reference technological partner for the digital transformation of companies of all sizes and sectors.   Armundia Factory, the ICT and BPO services company based in Tirana, Albania and 100% controlled by Armundia Group, a leading tech-company in digital platforms and specialist consultancy services for the innovation of the banking, financial and insurance market, expands …

Coca-Cola celebrates its first 30 years in Albania, establishing itself as a brand that has become an integral part of Albanian lifestyle and a company that has significantly contributed to the country’s growth over the past decades. These are the reasons behind the event held at the Pyramid of Tirana in the presence of Prime Minister Edi Rama on Sunday, …

Durana Tech Park will provide multiple economic, tax, and bureaucratic incentives to digital nomads and IT companies in the fields of software design and development, cloud computing services, cybersecurity, big data analysis, and robotics research. This long-awaited project is poised to revolutionize the landscape of science, technology, and entrepreneurship in Albania. The Durana Tech Park, the result of collaboration between …

Revealing an impressive lineup of visionary speakers and dynamic program on March 21st, 2024 at 9.30 at Rogner Hotel, Tirana. By blending our corporate and venture experience, INNVEST has crafted a comprehensive trend overview, diving deeper into our predictions of what 2024 will bring in FinTech.  As the global FinTech industry continues to grow and scale, the financial services ecosystem …

A Mentorship Encounter Set to Inspire the Next Generation of Albanians. In the heart of the vibrant Tumo Center Tirana, an aura of inspiration filled the air during an unforgettable encounter between the promising youth of the center and the renowned entrepreneur Cristina Busi Ferruzzi, Founder of Coca-Cola Albania. Organized in collaboration with Albania Economia Magazine and Tumo Center Tirana, …

The largest construction fair in Italy a chance to witness firsthand the advancements in home design software, cutting-edge chemical products tailored for the construction industry, state-of-the-art anti-seismic solutions, and the latest on energy efficiency. For four days, Milan, the epicenter of Italian finance, transformed into a gathering hub for entrepreneurs in the construction industry worldwide. The MADE EXPO 2023 fair …

Explore Albanian financial innovation with Gjergji Guri, the Founder and CEO of Facilization. Established in Tirana in 2009, Facilization is at the forefront of banking modernization with over 200 successful projects and prestigious clients such as Raiffeisen Bank, Union Bank, OTP Bank, BKT, Credins Bank, and Tirana Bank. Facilization is redefining the future of finance in Albania and beyond.   …

Albania Economia meets Ardian Saraci, the Founder of Aertermika Environment Solutions and exclusive distributor of Electrex devices produced by Akse Srl. Their prestigious clientele includes renowned names such as Coca-Cola, Pfizer, Ferrari, SanPellegrino, Philip Morris, Ducati, and Nestlé. In this interview, Saraci provides a unique perspective on the world of Industry 4.0, sharing his expertise as an energy efficiency expert, …

From Creative Passion to Technological Innovation: How Artificial Intelligence is Revolutionizing the World of Jewelry Craftsmanship.   How did the passion for designing jewelry originate, and what is the story behind Sette Gioielli? Sette Gioielli is a jewelry workshop founded in 1981 by Mauro Sette. We specialize in highly colorful rings with original shapes, known as cocktail rings. For us, …

  Revealing an impressive lineup of visionary speakers and dynamic program on October 3rd, 2023 at 9.00 at Piramida.    INNVEST SUMMIT 2023- Future of Finance in WB6” will be held in the Capital of Albania, Tirana on October 3rd, 2023. We couldn’t dream of a better venue to host the 6th edition of the annual Summit than Piramida.  INNVEST …

INNVEST is organizing an All-Inclusive Annual Event INNVEST CONNCECT DAY this September! Future for Finance is the main 2023 focus by INNVEST, by matchmaking EU and Western Balkans innovators- start-ups with Corporates and Investors will represent its deepest level, a great big up to the challenges & hardship that’s been impacting all of us since 2018.   INNVEST Connect Day …

Albania is experiencing an unprecedented tourism growth, and a young Italian architect, Andrea Michelini, along with his associates, is making a significant contribution to this evolution. As the founder and CEO of MAU Architecture studio, Arch. Michelini and his partners, including Arch. Gola, Franchini, Capocchin, and Berlendis, have won a significant government tender in Albania (ADF) funded by the World …

Easy Pay Albania has emerged as a prominent player in the digital payment sector, revolutionizing financial services and promoting financial inclusion in Albania. As the CEO of Easy Pay, Ms. Linda Shomo has played a pivotal role in the company’s success and its commitment to driving innovation and empowering individuals and businesses through digital payments. In this exclusive interview, we …

In the vibrant city of New York, two Albanian entrepreneurs, Mariglen Dine and Alban Jakupaj, have embarked on an extraordinary culinary journey. Driven by their individual paths that led them to the heart of this vibrant metropolis, they envisioned an Italian restaurant that would revolutionize the dining experience. With an unwavering passion for hospitality and a shared determination, they set …

The Innovaway Group, led by CEO Antonio Giacomini, traces its roots back to the late 1990s when Cesaweb was established. In this exclusive interview with Albania Economia, we had the privilege of speaking with Mr. Giacomini, who shared valuable insights into the remarkable journey and vision of the company he leads. Reflecting on the origins of Innovaway, Mr. Giacomini highlighted …

Albania Economia Magazine is excited to introduce a new series, “Conversations Across the Diaspora” where we will be interviewing successful Albanian entrepreneurs and professionals from around the world. In this series, we will explore their journeys and experiences, and gain insights into the unique challenges and opportunities they have faced while building their businesses and careers. In this first installment, …

From Startup to Success: Sisal’s CTO Mario Martinelli and General Manager of Sisal Digital Hub Albania Shares the Story of Sisal Digital Hub Rapid Growth in Albania.   Sisal Digital Hub, established four years ago in Albania, has rapidly grown to become one of the largest technology companies in the country, providing significant employment opportunities and putting Albania on the …

In this interview, we have the pleasure of speaking with Adeliada Mehmetaj, the co-founder and CFO of ConsciESG, an ESG Fintech company that offers transparent ESG impact tools to institutional investors worldwide. Adeliada describes how their ESG impact software operates and how it helps investors obtain accurate ESG impact scores. She also discusses the challenges of measuring ESG impact and …

In this interview, we have the pleasure of speaking with Kushtrim Puka, the Co-founder of Codon, a SaaS application that helps healthcare institutions streamline and manage their operations more efficiently and effectively. Kushtrim shares with us his background, which includes a mix of computer science, engineering, and business management. He explains the inspiration behind Codon, which came from one of …