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USAID Compete SëBashku
Approach
In close coordination with the EU and other development partners, USAID Compete SëBashku will work with local counterparts, 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. The IESC team, including subcontractor IDRA Research & Consulting, 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. Additionally, the program will raise consumer awareness of “Made in Albania” agrifood products in domestic, regional, and global markets.
Summary
Albania is working toward accession to the European Union (EU). This requires meeting the Copenhagen criteria, a set of conditions that includes building a robust market economy capable of withstanding EU competition. Implemented by IESC, USAID Compete SëBashku is helping to accelerate Albania’s accession through economic reforms that align with EU requirements and boost competitiveness of the country’s agrifood sector. 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.
Program details
- Funder: USAID
- Duration: 2024 to 2029
- Award: $12 million
Expected results
- Achieve 24 economic reform measures
- Support 50 private sector enterprises to obtain international certifications
- Increase sales of Albanian agrifood businesses to EU, regional, and domestic markets by 50%
- Facilitate $37 million in financing and investment for Albanian agrifood businesses
- Create 800 employment opportunities for Albanian youth
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