How developed is the industry in Albania? - RCC: The agri-food sector, with the highest employment growth
Despite the fact that industry is not very developed compared to other sectors, Albania is considered among the countries in the region with the highest growth in industrial capacities. According to a report by the Regional Cooperation Council, since 2010 until today, Albania's industrial capacities have increased by 4.8%.
In terms of employment in the manufacturing sector, Montenegro, Kosovo and Albania report very low levels, signaling a smaller industrial workforce compared to other economies in the region. This indicates that Albania relies more on other sectors (such as agriculture or services) for job creation. However, the contribution of the manufacturing sector to employment appears to have increased and, compared to other Western Balkan countries, appears to have been a major driver of job creation in Albania.
Although manufacturing workers in Kosovo and Albania have the lowest wages, with the average worker earning around US$5,000 per year, the report notes that Albania has experienced the highest wage growth in the region. Albania is the only economy in the Western Balkans with half of the manufacturing workforce being female.
On the other hand, Albania's agri-food sector stands out for its fastest employment growth, averaging 7.8% per year since 2010, with an annual labor productivity growth of 0.8%. Albania is ranked with the highest average wage growth rate, exceeding 5% per year, signaling strong improvements in worker compensation.
Even in terms of the metal processing industry, Albania and Serbia are classified as growing, with relatively lower production capacities but promising growth rates. Albania, in particular, shows significant potential, as recent improvements suggest an upward trajectory in the development of metal processing.
According to the report's data, for several Western Balkan economies, particularly Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and North Macedonia, the textile and clothing industry is a main pillar of the manufacturing sector, which also serves European markets.
Despite the increasing performance, the Regional Cooperation Council underlines that Albania needs to do more in terms of strengthening production capacities and exports to world markets.
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