USAID Invests $12 Million in Albania to Boost Competitiveness of High-Value Processed Agrifood Products
Tirana, Albania – As we mark World Food Day, a reminder of the importance of food and agriculture for global stability, we are proud to announce the USAID Compete SëBashku program. This is a vital five-year program helping to accelerate Albania’s accession to the European Union (EU) through economic reforms that align with EU requirements and boost competitiveness of the agrifood sector.
World Food Day is an important occasion to advocate for policies that tackle critical food security, nutrition, and agriculture-led growth issues locally and globally. It reminds us of the need for better agricultural practices, sustainable food production, value addition, reduced waste and emissions, and food safety. Supporting government reforms and policies that promote agricultural competitiveness improves incomes, creates more job opportunities, and strengthens local economies.
The USAID Compete SëBashku program is implemented by Improving Economies for Stronger Communities (IESC) in partnership with IDRA Research & Consulting and the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE). In close coordination with the EU and other development partners, USAID Compete SëBashku will work with local partners, including the Government of Albania, member-based industry organizations, private sector enterprises, civil society, and academia, to address the most pressing constraints to the competitiveness of selected high-value, processed agrifood products made in Albania.
USAID Compete SëBashku will support economic reforms through inclusive, transparent public-private consultation, and will empower agrifood enterprises to meet international standards, strengthen product branding and labeling, access financing, and reach high-value markets, particularly in the EU. The program will also raise consumer awareness of “Made in Albania” agrifood products in domestic, regional, and global markets.
The program will enable diverse groups of the population to engage in the economic reform process, grow their businesses, increase job opportunities, and strengthen buyer and supplier networks with a special emphasis on women, youth, and underserved regions of Albania.
This message is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents are the responsibility of IESC and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government.
For more information, please contact:
Bardha Qokaj
Strategic Communications Lead
USAID Compete SëBashku
Implemented by Improving Economies for Stronger Communities (IESC)
Mobile: +355 68 607 7519
Email: bqokaj@competesebashku.org