In a strategic collaboration, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has joined forces with Raiffeisen Bank in Kosovo to enhance lending opportunities for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). This partnership marks the debut of the EBRD's Guarantee for Growth (G4G) program in Kosovo.

The EBRD will extend a guarantee worth up to €20 million over a span of three years, tied to Raiffeisen Bank's domestic sovereign bonds portfolio. This guarantee will increase the bank's capacity to take on additional risks, enabling it to allocate new funds to businesses in Kosovo, thereby bolstering the country's real economy.

Raiffeisen Bank will primarily direct its lending under this initiative towards supporting local MSMEs, which play a crucial role in Kosovo's sustainable economic growth. A significant portion, at least 20%, of these subloans will be allocated to Green Economy Transition (GET) projects, focusing on energy and resource efficiency.

Sergiy Maslichenko, the Head of the EBRD in Kosovo, commented: “The EBRD is dedicated to further enhancing private sector growth by financing MSMEs and facilitating the green transition through this innovative financial tool.”

Anita Kovacic, the CEO of Raiffeisen Bank in Kosovo, remarked: “As Kosovo's leading bank, we are fervently committed to advancing a greener economy. This collaboration with the EBRD significantly strengthens our commitment. We appreciate this partnership with the EBRD and encourage MSMEs to leverage this novel financial instrument.”

As of June 2023, Raiffeisen Bank holds the position of Kosovo's largest bank, with a 20% share in the lending market. The bank provides an extensive array of services to individuals, MSMEs, and corporations, operating through a network of 36 branches and employing over 900 staff members across Kosovo.

To date, the EBRD's investment in Kosovo exceeds €650 million, with 68% of this amount dedicated to the private sector.