The World Bank has been a key partner for Albania since 1991, supporting its transition to an open, functioning economy. In the early years after accession, the focus was on economic stabilization, fiscal consolidation, and poverty reduction. This period was accompanied by deep structural reforms and concessional financing from the International Development Association (IDA), which enabled Albania to confront the initial challenges of transition.
In 2008, Albania shifted from IDA financing to loans from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), reflecting its status as a middle-income country. During this phase, World Bank support has concentrated on modernizing infrastructure, improving the quality of social services, enhancing the business climate, and strengthening governance. At the same time, projects have aimed to promote sustainable and inclusive development, addressing immediate needs as well as longer-term challenges.
At present, cooperation with Albania is guided by the 2023–2027 Country Partnership Framework (CPF), which supports reforms and investments that bolster economic resilience, improve public services, and accelerate progress toward European integration. Through this framework, the World Bank seeks to help Albania advance green, digital, and inclusive development, remaining one of the country’s most strategic partners on its transformative journey.