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- EBRD financing package will boost funding for SMEs and mid-caps, support digitalisation and foster green investment
- Package includes first WB GOLD transaction in Kosovo
- Go Digital component supported by EU with grant incentives and technical assistance through WBIF
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is stepping up its support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-caps in Kosovo with a new €17 million financing package for ProCredit Bank Kosovo (ProCredit).
This financing package offers targeted solutions to Kosovo’s local businesses, comprising a €10 million loan under the Western Balkans Green Outcomes-Linked Debt (WB GOLD) Financing Framework – the first WB GOLD transaction in Kosovo – and a €7 million loan through the EBRD’s Go Digital in the Western Balkans programme.
The WB GOLD loan will help local SMEs and mid-caps to invest in energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy, while also supporting their efforts to grow their businesses. At least half of the funds will be dedicated to projects that comply with the EBRD’s Green Economy Transition (GET) approach, making it easier for Kosovo’s companies to adopt greener practices. As the first WB GOLD transaction in the country, this innovative programme introduces outcome-based incentives that reward banks for increasing green lending, helping to drive the region’s shift towards low-carbon, climate-resilient economies. As the first partner financial institution to implement this programme in Kosovo, ProCredit has played a pivotal role in defining the structure of the WB GOLD framework.
Meanwhile, the Go Digital loan is designed to help SMEs to modernise by investing in automation, digital tools and green technologies. At least 60 per cent of this funding will support projects that make businesses more efficient and are consistent with the GET strategy. The programme also promotes equal opportunities, with a special focus on supporting women-led enterprises.
SMEs can also benefit from European Union (EU) grants worth up to 10 per cent of their individual sub-loans, as well as expert technical assistance, all delivered through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF).
Sergiy Maslichenko, the EBRD’s Head of Kosovo, said: “Supporting the digital transformation and green transition of Kosovo’s SMEs is at the heart of the EBRD’s mission in the country. This new financing package will help businesses to become more competitive, resilient and sustainable by providing the resources they need to innovate and grow. We are pleased to deepen our partnership with ProCredit Bank Kosovo as we work together to advance the country’s economic growth and sustainable development.”
Visar Paçarada, ProCredit’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “We are committed to supporting Kosovo’s SMEs and mid-caps through targeted and forward-looking initiatives. The WB GOLD programme enables our clients to invest in energy-efficient and renewable technologies, while the Go Digital programme fosters automation, digital transformation and sustainable business practices. With the support of EU grants and technical assistance, we remain fully committed to helping businesses grow, enhance their competitiveness and operate sustainably.”
Hubert Perr, Head of Cooperation at the EU Office in Kosovo, said: “We are proud to support SMEs through the Go Digital programme in Kosovo. Thanks to the strong support from the European Union through the WBIF and our financial institution partners, this initiative will accelerate the digital transformation of the private sector, contribute to a greener economy and support the overall competitiveness of the sector.”
ProCredit Bank Kosovo is a leading provider of funding to SMEs in Kosovo and a longstanding partner of the EBRD, with a proven track record of efficiently channelling the Bank’s funds to targeted economic segments. The EBRD was a minority shareholder in ProCredit from 2001 to 2007.
To date, the EBRD has invested €840 million in Kosovo through 138 projects across the country.