Higher penetration rates and improved access to the internet are essential to enable a digital transition in the Albanian economy. The penetration rate of fixed broadband has reached 10%, the lowest in the region, and covers only 30% of households, with a significant urban-rural divide - 15% average in urban areas and 1% in rural areas. The current bandwidth speed in fixed and mobile networks is less than 30 Mbps.
Building on the results of a pre-feasibility study developed under the UNDP in 2017, the WBIF allocated a €0.5 million grant in June 2018 for the next stage of the project - feasibility study and development plan for efficient and smart investments in broadband infrastructure across the country.
ICT investments covered by the project will ensure better internet connection for schools, hospitals, public institutions, local administrations and households.
EU-Funded Feasibility Study for Regional Broadband Infrastructure Development in Albania
| WBIF | Grant | WB19-ALB-DII-01 | € 522,600 |
| WBIF | Grant | WB24-ALB-DII-01 | € 851,868 |
| EIB | Loan | € 30,000,000 | |
| National Contribution | Own Contribution | € 24,702,000 | |
| Anticipated WBIF Grant | External Grant | € 40,950,000 | |
| Private Sector Finance | Other Sources | € 42,000,000 | |
| Total | € 139,026,468 | ||
| Total Grants | € 1,374,468 | ||
| Total Loans | € 30,000,000 | ||
