EBRD supports green finance for SMEs in Bosnia and Herzegovina

• EBRD providing senior loan of up to €20 million to Raiffeisen Leasing Sarajevo
• At least 50 per cent of financing will support green investment by SMEs and mid-cap companies
• Project will expand access to finance, strengthen green lending practices and support transition to low-carbon economy

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a senior loan of up to €20 million to Raiffeisen Leasing Sarajevo to increase financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-cap companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina while accelerating investment in green technology and sustainable business practices.

This financing is being provided under the EBRD’s Western Balkans Green Outcomes-Linked Debt Financing Framework (WB GOLD), an innovative programme that combines long-term funding with incentives linked to the achievement of green investment targets and is the first loan to be granted in the country under that framework.

The proceeds will be lent on to eligible SMEs and mid-cap companies across Bosnia and Herzegovina to support firms’ expansion and encourage investments that improve energy efficiency, increase the use of renewable energy and enhance environmental sustainability. At least 50 per cent of the total financing will be allocated to projects that meet the EBRD’s Green Economy Transition (GET) criteria.

The project is expected to strengthen the competitiveness of local businesses by improving access to finance, particularly outside the capital, while helping companies to invest in modern technology and reduce their environmental footprint.

The financing will also help Raiffeisen Leasing Sarajevo to further embed environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles in its business model and expand its green lending activities. In addition to funding, the company will receive technical assistance with the verification and monitoring of green investments, helping it to identify and assess eligible projects.

Raiffeisen Leasing Sarajevo is the second-largest leasing company in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a market share of 26 per cent by total assets at the end of 2025. The company specialises in leasing vehicles and equipment and is fully owned by Raiffeisen Bank Bosnia and Herzegovina, part of Raiffeisen Bank International.

This project will contribute to the EBRD’s efforts to expand access to finance for SMEs while supporting the green transition across the Western Balkans. It is expected to help generate significant energy savings and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through investments in energy-efficient technology and renewable energy solutions.

The EBRD is a leading institutional investor in Bosnia and Herzegovina. To date, the Bank has invested more than €3 billion in the country through 270 projects. The EBRD’s priorities in Bosnia and Herzegovina include strengthening private-sector competitiveness, supporting the transition to a green economy, improving connectivity and infrastructure, and fostering the development of sustainable and inclusive markets.