Trade, the "preferred" sector of banks for financing/ BoA: The list remains the same, but businesses start the year with fewer loans
Albanian businesses have started 2026 with fewer loans compared to the end of last year, but with the same map of dominant sectors. According to data from the Bank of Albania, in January 2026, banks have granted around 19.5 billion lek in new loans to private non-financial corporations.
Compared to December 2025, when financing reached over 46 billion lek, we have a significant decrease. This may be related to the seasonal effect of the end of the year, a period when businesses take out more loans to close investments, increase inventory or cover end-of-year expenses.
The sector that benefited the most from financing in January is wholesale and retail trade, including vehicle repair. This sector alone received about 9.3 billion lek, almost half of the total monthly credit. Even at the end of last year, trade was at the top of the list, confirming that consumption and circulation of goods remain the main pillar of the economy.
In second place is construction, with over 3.2 billion lek in new loans. This shows that investments in construction projects and real estate continue to be supported by banks. Next come the processing industry and the accommodation and food service sector, which is directly related to tourism and services.
The sectors with the least funding are financial and insurance activities, which did not receive any new loans in January, as well as public administration, with minimal values. Low figures are also recorded in information and communication or in some service categories.
Compared to January of the previous year, the structure remains almost the same, with trade and construction dominating, while other sectors remain less active in borrowing.
For citizens, this means that banks are mainly financing businesses related to daily life, shops, supermarkets, housing construction, restaurants, indicating that the economy is relying heavily on consumption and investment in assets.
How to increase the quality of construction? Roshi: The Construction Institute has the main responsibility
Accidents at work are on the rise, with the construction sector recording the highest number of fatal cases. According to data from the State Inspectorate of......
Trump confirms US involvement in Iran attack/ Iraq closes airspace as Israel attacks Iran
US President Donald Trump posted an eight-minute video on his social media platform, "Truth Social," confirming that the US was involved in the attack on......
Israel launches attacks on Iran, state of emergency in Tel Aviv/ MEPJ calls on Albanian citizens in Israel to be careful
Israel has launched a “preemptive” strike on Iran, reigniting tensions between the two countries for the second time in less than a year. Israeli Defense......
Rehabilitimi i Sheshit “Nënë Tereza, muze dhe një tjetër parkim nëntokësor në Tiranë
Pamja e Sheshit “Nënë Tereza” do të ndryshojë përsëri. Në vendimin e saj të fundit qeveria ka ngarkuar Fondit Shqiptar të Zhvillimit për kryerjen e......
Lista e zezë e bixhozxhinjve, ja vendimi që u miratua së fundi nga qeveria
Në mbledhjen e saj të sotme qeveria ka vendosur të krijohet një regjistër elektronik ku të përfshihen të gjithë personat, për të cilët është vendosur......
Salaries of teachers, police officers and military personnel are indexed by 2.5%
At today's meeting, the Council of Ministers approved the 2.5% indexation of the salaries of pre-university teachers, police officers and military personnel.......
Growing loneliness and limited capacities for the elderly - Kuka: Demand for elderly housing is very high
Population aging, emigration, and changing family structures are pushing the social system towards continuous challenges. In Albania, there are only 6......
OBP strengthens the increase in business participation in procurement - Ibrahimaj: More entrepreneurship in tenders, more transparency for the market
The Centralized Purchasing Operator held today a forum on the topic of “Promoting business participation in OBP procurement procedures”, an activity that......
