Albanian investments abroad suffered a slight decline last year but remained near the highest levels in the last 15 years.

According to data from the Bank of Albania, for 2024, the value of investments by Albanian companies abroad was Euro 241 million, Euro 2 million less compared to the previous year.

For the most part, Albanian investments have been channeled into direct contributions to the capital of companies controlled abroad. 58% of the total value of foreign direct investments in 2024 were new capital injections, while the remainder was mainly reinvested profits of companies controlled abroad. A very small part of the investments (6 million euros or 2.5% of the total) consisted of loans provided to subsidiaries abroad.

Outward direct investments, however, still have a low share of inward foreign investments in Albania, with around 15%. The net balance of foreign direct investments was negative (inward investments significantly exceed outward ones), for a total value of 1.34 billion euros, an increase of 7% compared to 2023.

Statistical information on Albania’s business investments abroad is limited to Balance of Payments data and there is no more detailed data on their geographical or sectoral distribution. However, it is known that some of the large business groups in Albania have extended part of their activities abroad, as part of the strategy of expansion and diversification of markets.

The Balfin Group, the Kastrati Group, the Union Group, Gener 2, etc. have activities abroad in the sectors of trade, financial services, real estate, or accommodation/hotels. Also, some of the large distributors of consumer goods in Albania have extended their activities to neighboring countries, mainly in Kosovo.

Data from the Central Bank of Kosovo provide information on Albanian investments in Kosovo, which is estimated to be the country with the highest concentration of Albanian investments. CBK figures show that by the end of 2024, the stock of Albanian investments in Kosovo was worth 468 million euros. With this figure, Albania is the fifth largest investor in Kosovo. According to the Central Bank of Kosovo, in the sectoral breakdown, Albanian investments are mainly concentrated in construction, real estate, trade, and manufacturing.