The first AI Business Summit, organized by the Hellenic Business Association of Albania (HBAA) in collaboration with Accenture Greece, was successfully held in Tirana. Accenture, a global leader in professional services and technology, supported the conference by providing its expertise in developing innovative strategies powered by Artificial Intelligence.

The summit brought together leading entrepreneurs, academics, and AI experts from Greece, Albania, and other Balkan markets, alongside high-level government officials, public sector representatives, and international organizations, establishing the event as a key regional reference point for collaboration and innovation in the field of AI.

The event aimed to highlight the opportunities and challenges Artificial Intelligence presents to the business community, encourage cross-border collaboration, and promote the transfer of know-how and innovation. It provided a premier platform to showcase cutting-edge solutions and exchange perspectives on the future of AI in the region. Discussions focused on the integration of AI into daily business operations, digital transformation processes, and the challenges and opportunities arising in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

In his opening speech, the President of the Hellenic Business Association of Albania (HBAA), Mr. Denald George Tafani, emphasized that "Artificial Intelligence is no longer a technology of the future, but the cornerstone of today’s business success. The question is no longer whether we will use AI in business, but how, when, and in what way."

Special attention was given to the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Albania, which make up approximately 90% of the country's businesses particularly in integrating new technologies due to a lack of knowledge, funding, and infrastructure. Through the summit, valuable guidance and practical tools were provided to help leverage Artificial Intelligence with the aim of increasing productivity, reducing costs, and enhancing competitiveness.

Mr. Denald George Tafani, President of the Hellenic Business Association of Albania

Mr. Kyriakos Sambatakakis Country Managing Director of Accenture Greece

Ms. Delina Ibrahimaj, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Business Climate

Mr. Igli Tafa, Director of the National Cybersecurity Authority

Mr. Athanasios Astrakas, Deputy Ambassador of Greece to Albania

Mr. Sokol Duma, Deputy Minister of Innovation

Mr. Denald George Tafani, President of the Hellenic Business Association of Albania & Mr. Kyriakos Sambatakakis, Country Managing Director of Accenture Greece

Platinum sponsor of the AI Business Summit was Raiffeisen Bank.

HBAA President, Mr. Tafani further emphasized the need for a National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in Albania, along with a legal framework that ensures ethical and secure use of AI, protecting users without hindering innovation. He highlighted Albania’s potential, citing the country’s strategic location, capabilities, and European aspirations as foundations for evolving into a dynamic hub for smart technologies in the Balkans. He pointed to Greece, Albania’s neighbor, partner, and close friend as an inspiring example, noting that "Today, Greece is among the seven EU countries selected by the European Commission to host one of Europe's first Artificial Intelligence factories."

The Country Managing Director, Mr. Kyriakos Sambatakakis, also addressed the summit, emphasizing that we are living in the age of AI and that its transformative impact will continue to grow in the future. "We are entering a phase where everyone is striving to extract real value from this technology," he noted, stressing that transformation is underway and that those participating in this journey will soon reap significant rewards. He described Artificial Intelligence as an "unstoppable force for the reinvention of industry."

Representatives of the Albanian government also addressed the event. The Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Business Climate, Ms. Delina Ibrahimaj, highlighted the importance of innovation and digital solutions for the development of entrepreneurship, noting that Albania embraces Artificial Intelligence as a driver of inclusive growth, attracting innovation and building bridges with the European technological ecosystem.

The Director of the National Cybersecurity Authority, Mr. Igli Tafa, spoke about the challenges and opportunities in the field of cybersecurity, emphasizing that the digital transformation driven by AI requires strong and sustainable cybersecurity, which is now a fundamental pillar across all sectors rather than an additional feature.

The Deputy Ambassador of Greece to Albania, Mr. Athanasios Astrakas, noted that organizing a conference on Artificial Intelligence is not only timely but essential, as AI is not just a trend but a paradigm shift.

The event was also attended by the Deputy Minister of Innovation, Mr. Sokol Duma, representing the government.

The Hellenic Business Association of Albania reaffirmed its commitment to act as a driving force for economic, business, and cultural cooperation between Albania and Greece, promoting a model of trilateral collaboration among the private sector, public institutions, and international partners.

Within the framework of the event, both public institutions and private companies supported the summit, contributing to its success. The strategic participation of public institutions underscored the importance of fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors to accelerate innovation and digital growth across the Balkan region.

The platinum sponsor of the AI Business Summit was Raiffeisen Bank.

Building on the conclusions and opportunities that emerged from the AI Business Summit, the Hellenic Business Association of Albania will move forward with new initiatives to strengthen cooperation among its member businesses, government bodies, and international partners, aiming to develop strategies to promote Artificial Intelligence in Albania and the wider Balkan region.