Where are banks investing billions? Record lending in trade, construction, tourism and agriculture
In September 2025, new loans to private non-financial corporations reached new highs in several key sectors of the economy, according to the latest data from the “Bank of Albania”. Monthly loan inflows show a significant expansion of financing in the trade and construction sectors, while transport is declining.
The wholesale and retail trade sector remains the largest in terms of new loans with 8.6 billion lek, an increase of 37.1% compared to September 2024. This indicates a strong dynamism of consumption and the supply chain. In second place comes construction, with 4.4 billion lek of new loans, an increase of 36.6% on an annual basis.
In the manufacturing sector, agriculture recorded a strong growth of 127.7%, signaling a revival in agribusiness. The extractive industry grew by 15.5%, but the processing industry fell by 7.5%, while the energy sector contracted significantly by 67.4%, after a period of large investments. Meanwhile, water supply and waste management recorded a high growth.
One of the most interesting developments is the financial and insurance sector, with a jump of 556.8%, reaching 1.74 billion lek in new loans. This expansion suggests an increase in investments within the financial sector itself, perhaps due to technological transformations, consolidations or the need for additional capital.
Similarly, health and social activities have experienced an impressive growth of 442%, going from 174 million to 945 million lekë.
In stark contrast, transportation and storage have shrunk by 83.6%, falling to just 350 million lek from over 2 billion a year earlier. Public administration and defense have also recorded an almost total contraction, by -99.6%, dropping to symbolic levels.
The accommodation and food services sector grew by 95.4%, exceeding 1.4 billion lek, a positive indicator for tourism and hospitality, which are benefiting from an extended season and new investments in infrastructure. Meanwhile, real estate activities have recorded an increase of 125.7%, reflecting confidence in the property market.
At the bottom of the table is a small but unusual figure. The activities of international organizations went from just 0.01 million lek to 11.08 million lek, a huge increase. Although insignificant in terms of the overall weight, this detail signals a small movement of loans even in sectors that traditionally do not borrow.
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