Albania has played a positive, moderating role in the Balkans and has made strides towards NATO membership and European Union integration. Still, significant challenges remain in Albania’s consolidation as a multiparty democracy and market economy.
Under the U.S. Government’s Foreign Assistance framework, USAID’s development program assists Albania in three main areas: Economic Growth, Governing Justly and Democratically, and Investing in People, with one program contributing to Peace and Security. USAID programs strengthen governmental accountability and transparency, reduce corruption, increase the competitiveness of Albania’s private sector, improve the delivery of quality healthcare, help ensure a reliable and affordable energy supply, and reduce trafficking in persons. Additionally, USAID implements the Millennium Challenge Albania Threshold Agreement.
Our Program Areas
Economic Growth
Since 2001, Albania has maintained an impressive growth rate, averaging roughly five percent each year, and poverty levels continue to decline. By helping Albanian businesses learn how to be competitive at home and abroad, USAID tackles some of the most crippling economic statistics of the country, namely its high levels of unemployment, low foreign direct investment, poor infrastructure, and rising trade deficits. USAID’s program strengthens the competitive capacity and productivity of private enterprises, particularly in the agricultural sector, by promoting innovations in technology, the adoption of international-recognized quality standards and management practices, and greater access to credit. USAID lending activities continue to broaden outreach to remote communities and vulnerable populations throughout Albania.
Targets:
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Increase private sector productivity and competitiveness
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Reduce poverty in rural areas
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Strengthen the regulatory and supervisory capacities of the financial sector
Governing Justly and Democratically
Albania has made significant advances in terms of government stability and efficiency, the establishment of an independent media, greater independence and accountability of local governments, and a sound legal framework. USAID assists government bodies, nongovernmental organizations, and civil society leaders to strengthen institutional reforms, reduce corruption, and improve transparency, accountability, and performance of government offices. To improve judicial transparency and adherence to laws and judicial decision, USAID supports audit institutions and civil society watchdogs.
Targets:
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Increase civic participation
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Improve local government capacity, accountability and transparency
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Foster an environment that values accountability and transparency of government
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Strengthen the rule of law and the administration of justice system
Investing in People
Better, more accessible health systems contribute to improved health of both adults and children—helping to achieve sustainable development and improve the well-being and productivity of its citizens. To reduce the incidence of disease, provide protection to vulnerable groups, and promote primary healthcare, USAID is working with the Ministry of Health to change the way primary health care in Albania is organized, financed, and delivered. USAID programs improve the efficiency in the financing and delivery of services, citizen access to primary health care, the quality and availability of reproductive and maternal services, and the capacity of the government to respond to public health threats.
Targets:
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Increase child survival rates
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Better maternal health
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Increased use of modern family planning methods
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Strengthen primary health care services for all citizens
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Better quality of health services and more transparency of the health system
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Reduction in the risk of communicable dieseases and their better treatment, particularly tuberculosis (TB) at the national and local level
Peace and Security
Trafficking in persons is a transnational crime and humanitarian issue that affects many levels of society. Albania is a source country for women and children trafficked for sexual and economic exploitation in the region, to other parts of Europe and internally. In order to reduce trafficking, protect victims and prosecute traffickers, USAID programs reach at-risk populations and informs the general population about trafficking issues; addresses the root causes of poverty and social stigmatization; enhances services and witness protection to ensure successful reintegration for victims; and builds the capacity of the Government of Albania and non-governmental organizations to respond to trafficking in persons.
Targets:
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Build the capacity of NGOs and the government of Albania to combat trafficking
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Provide coordinated local social services to current and former victims of trafficking
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Raise public awareness in order to prevent trafficking in persons
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Establish a child protection structure to avoid a resurgence of large-scale child trafficking
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Establish and strengthen the linkages between NGOs and government to support a National Referral Mechanism
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Consolidate data on trafficking in Albania and make available to relevant service providers
