IMF assesses Albanian economy: Stable growth and strong banking sector
The International Monetary Fund has given a positive assessment of economic developments in Albania, emphasizing that the country continues to maintain stable growth rates and a healthy financial system.
This observation was made during the visit of the IMF mission to Tirana, held from May 28 to June 2, 2026, under the leadership of the Chief of Mission for Albania, Diego Cerdeiro. During their stay in the country, the IMF experts held a series of meetings with representatives of the Bank of Albania and with Governor Gent Sejko.
The discussions focused on the performance of the economy, monetary policy, the stability of the financial system and expectations for future developments. Governor Sejko highlighted that the Albanian economy has continued to perform positively, reflecting increased employment, incomes and improvements in key macroeconomic indicators.
According to the IMF assessment, the Albanian economy has shown the ability to cope with external shocks and remains on a positive development trajectory. However, international experts warned that geopolitical tensions and uncertainties in the global economy require constant vigilance and monitoring.
Regarding inflation, the IMF assessed that the Bank of Albania has followed a balanced and effective approach to monetary policy. The international institution supported the central bank's current strategy, which aims to maintain price stability and return inflation close to the medium-term objective.
The meetings also addressed the issue of the exchange rate and foreign exchange reserves. IMF representatives assessed that the appreciation of the lek was influenced by structural factors and positive developments in the economy, while emphasizing the importance of maintaining the free exchange rate regime as a mechanism that increases economic flexibility.
The Albanian banking sector also received positive assessments, which according to the IMF appears well-capitalized, with high liquidity and a low level of non-performing loans. The international institution also welcomed the Bank of Albania's efforts to strengthen financial supervision and align legislation with European Union standards.
In addition to current developments, discussions also touched on the long-term challenges of the Albanian economy, including demographic changes, the need to increase productivity, and the impact that the European Union integration process is expected to have on the country's economic development.
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