WASHINGTON, DC, March 10, 2025 -The World Bank Group's Board of Executive Directors has approved an additional financing of $80 million to support Albania's ambitious public sector modernization and digital transformation agenda, further strengthening public sector modernization and improving access to essential services for citizens, particularly vulnerable groups.
Albania has undergone significant public sector modernization and digital transformation, which has improved public services and contributed to economic development. However, further progress can be made to reap the full benefits of these innovations. The digital transformation can help Albania harness cutting-edge public sector reforms, , improve public service delivery, boost human capital, and promote more sustainable and inclusive growth.
The additional support builds on the progress of the Improving Equitable Access to High Standard Public Services through GovTech Program ($65 million), which aims to enhance the accessibility and quality of key public services. The project is currently supporting several activities, including the re-design and upgrading of the E-Albania platform -- a digital platform offering services to citizens and businesses, the establishment of Youth Innovation Centers to teach digital skills to youth, and the deployment of 200 education SmartLabs within primary schools to improve numeracy, literacy and digital skills.
"We are proud to have supported the government in scaling up this flagship program. By modernizing and digitalizing local government services and improving financial management systems, this initiative will further enhance transparency and efficiency in public services, procurement processes and budget management at both central and local levels," said Richard Record, World Bank Acting Country Manager for Albania.
The additional financing will expand the program's impact in three critical areas:
- Re-engineering and Digitalizing Local Government Services: This will ensure more efficient access to a range of municipal administrative services, benefiting both citizens and businesses.
- Developing a new Digital Public Procurement Platform: By integrating AI-driven innovations, this platform will enhance transparency, efficiency, and accountability in public procurement processes, leading to economic savings and efficiency in government contracting.
- Implementing a New System for Managing Public Finances: By designing and rolling-out a new ICT system for managing public finances, the program will help central and local governments to have a faster and more accurate management of their budgets for public investment projects for the local population.
"Our new support is expected to make a real difference in the lives of citizens. We project at least a 25% increase in the processing of online applications for public services, leading to improved access to services, including for vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities," said Simon Carl O'Meally, Project Team Leader.
This project aligns with the World Bank commitment to improve public service delivery toward a more modern and citizen-centered public administration, boost human capital and promote more sustainable and inclusive growth in Albania.
"Our new support is expected to make a real difference in the lives of citizens. We project at least a 25% increase in the processing of online applications for public services, leading to improved access to services, including for vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities," said Simon Carl O'Meally, Project Team Leader.
This project aligns with the World Bank commitment to improve public service delivery toward a more modern and citizen-centered public administration, boost human capital and promote more sustainable and inclusive growth in Albania.
