EBRD, EU and NLB Banka Skopje support digitalisation of businesses in North Macedonia

• EBRD to lend €2 million to NLB Banka Skopje under the Go Digital in Western Balkans programme
• Proceeds to be on-lent to SMEs for investments in green and digital technologies
• Small businesses to benefit from European Union-funded grant incentives and technical assistance

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a €2 million loan to NLB Banka Skopje in North Macedonia to on-lend to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) for investments in digital and green technologies. The loan is being made under the Go Digital in the Western Balkans programme, which is supported by the European Union (EU) and which aims to drive innovation, competitiveness and sustainable growth in the private sector.

In addition to loans, SMEs will benefit from grant incentives totalling 10 per cent of the loan amount. They will also be eligible for technical assistance to help them identify and structure their priority investments. The grant incentives and technical assistance are funded by the EU.

SMEs will be able to apply for financing for a wide range of technologies and investments, from the simple adoption of automated and robotic industrial equipment to complex digital decision-making tools and data collection and analysis tools, thus also contributing to decarbonisation and resource efficiency.

Fatih Türkmenoğlu, EBRD Head of North Macedonia, said: “Supporting SMEs in their digital and green transition is essential for fostering a competitive and resilient private sector. This loan will help SMEs in North Macedonia to harness the power of automation and digitalisation, making them more competitive in both local and international markets."

Toni Stojanovski, President of the Management Board of NLB Banka Skopje, commented: “Small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of our economy. By supporting their transition to cleaner, more efficient and digital business models, we are not only investing in their competitiveness, but also in a more resilient and future-ready economy. We believe that through this credit line we will help businesses reduce their environmental footprint, while also increasing productivity and access to new markets.”

EU Ambassador to North Macedonia, Michalis Rokas, echoed these comments, emphasising that the dedicated loan was an opportunity for SMEs to improve their operations, enhance their productivity and spur innovation. “Supporting the digital transformation of business remains a priority for the EU, as part of the ongoing Team Europe initiatives through the Western Balkans Investment Framework, as well as the Reform and Growth Plan. This means securing sufficient financial means that can boost the competitive edge of SMEs in North Macedonia and the region.”

With a focus on boosting productivity and efficiency, the Go Digital in the Western Balkans programme helps SMEs to leverage ICT investments to streamline operations, automate processes, increase efficiency, drive sales, improve customer experience and increase market access, all drivers of competitiveness.

Supported with EU finding, these investments will be in line with the EU standards of green and sustainable economy, helping businesses implement measures that can make their operations greener and more competitive in EU markets. In total, the EU is providing €27.6 million of grant incentives and technical assistance for the programme, secured through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF).

The EBRD is a major institutional investor in North Macedonia. To date, it has invested €2.9 billion across different sectors in the country.