During a ceremony held on 19 November 2025 at the Faculty of Foreign Languages of the University of Tirana, the Hellenic Business Association of Albania (HBAA) awarded six academic scholarships to students of the Department of Greek Language through its new initiative, “AKADIMIA.”

The event was attended by H.E. the Ambassador of Greece to Albania, Mrs. Kamitsi, distinguished academics, representatives of HBAA member companies, and students. In her remarks, the Ambassador underlined “that educational cooperation remains one of the most meaningful and enduring bridges between Greece and Albania, highlighting the long-standing cultural, academic, and economic ties that unite the two countries. She expressed her strong support for initiatives that strengthen these connections and foster opportunities for young people, noting that the Embassy of Greece also contributed to this year’s effort by offering four additional scholarships, continuing a consistent annual practice of supporting the Department and its students.”

In his address, the President of the HBAA, Mr. Denald George Tafani, underlined “that the scholarship initiative represents a clear and meaningful example of the constructive partnership between the Association’s member companies and Albania’s academic community. He reaffirmed the readiness of the HBAA and its members to support young people who aspire to contribute to this shared future, emphasizing the Association’s long-term commitment to creating tangible opportunities for students and to strengthening the institutions that prepare them for leadership roles in an increasingly interconnected regional environment.”

H.E. the Ambassador of Greece to Albania, Mrs. Konstantina Kamitsi

Mr. Denald George Tafani, President of the Hellenic Business Association of Albania (first on the right)

Mr. Efthymios G. Navridis, Founder and Managing Partner of EGNA Law Navridis

The “AKADIMIA” initiative was created by the Hellenic Business Association of Albania to support academic excellence and to promote the development of highly qualified young professionals. Funded entirely through voluntary contributions from HBAA member companies, it reflects the business community’s commitment to education, talent development, and the strengthening of the link between universities and the private sector.

This year’s scholarships were supported by distinguished member-companies of the Hellenic Business Association of Albania, such as Intracom Telecom Albania, Alumil Albania, Digital Systems for Archiving (DSA), FIX PRO and TITAN Albania. Through their contribution, these companies reaffirm not only their commitment to corporate social responsibility, but also their belief in nurturing future professionals who will shape the business environment of tomorrow. Their involvement sends a clear message: meaningful partnerships between education and the private sector create long-term value for society.

During the ceremony, special acknowledgment was given to Mr. Efthymios G. Navridis, Founder and Managing Partner of EGNA Law Navridis, for his long-standing contribution through the annually awarded “Professor Vassos Karageorgiou Scholarship”. His continuous support represents a significant personal commitment to academic excellence and to strengthening Greek studies in Albania.

Special recognition was given to Mrs. Sofia Deligjorgi, Director of the Department of Greek Language, for her consistent dedication to the academic development of the Department and her proactive engagement in promoting opportunities for students.

As a gesture of support for students’ academic development, the Hellenic Business Association of Albania also offered each scholarship recipient a copy of the latest book by distinguished businessman and author Mr. Vasil Naci, “Rruga Drejt Suksesit”, further reinforcing the Association’s commitment to promoting learning, personal advancement, and a culture of excellence.

The University of Tirana expressed its appreciation for the initiative, noting that such actions contribute not only to the financial support of students but also to the promotion of the Department’s academic mission. 

The “AKADIMIA” initiative is expected to expand in the coming years, further enhancing cooperation between the academic sector and the business community.