How digital are Albanian businesses? RCC: Growth in online commerce and technology use, but challenges in innovation and AI
Albania is gradually progressing in the digital transformation of businesses, but still lags behind the European Union average.
The latest data shows that by 2024, around 41% of small and medium-sized enterprises in the country will have achieved a basic level of digital intensity. However, this level is significantly lower compared to the average of the Western Balkan countries, which is 59%, and far from that of the European Union, which reaches 73%.
Despite this difference, some indicators show positive developments. Albania has performed well in the use of electronic information exchange, with around 39% of businesses using this technology, more than the regional average. Even in the analysis of the data, the country is in line with the region, with around a third of enterprises using it.
In the use of more advanced technologies, such as the cloud or artificial intelligence, the pace is slower. Only about 23% of businesses use cloud services, while the use of artificial intelligence remains limited, with less than 10% of enterprises.
On the other hand, online commerce is gaining more and more ground. In 2024, about 24% of small and medium-sized businesses in Albania sold products or services online, a level that matches the regional average and even exceeds that of the European Union. Revenue from online sales accounts for about 10% of total turnover, indicating that digital channels are becoming increasingly important.
Meanwhile, at the policy level, Albania has adopted a new strategy for business development and investment in 2025. This strategy places special emphasis on supporting small businesses, innovation and digital transformation, as part of efforts to align with European Union standards.
Although Albania has made strides in digitalization, the challenge remains to accelerate this process so that businesses become more competitive and the economy benefits more from technology.
EU-US, agreement on critical minerals/ Coordination in the supply of key industries, including defense
The European Union and the United States signed an agreement to coordinate the supply of critical minerals needed for key industries, including defense. US......
Defense spending, Ambassador Whitaker provides details from the meeting with Rama and the visit to Kuçova
US Ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, has shared details from his visit to Albania through a post on "X". Whitaker writes that he conducted an......
Prime Minister Edi Rama inspects the works at the "Retro Park" construction site in Bulqiza
This afternoon, Prime Minister Edi Rama inspected the construction site of the “Retro Park” in Bulqizë. The project is an innovative project with an area of......
Minister Malaj with NATO Ambassador: Progressive increase in defense investments
I had the pleasure of welcoming to an important meeting the United States Ambassador to NATO, Mr. Matthew Whitaker, along with the accompanying......
The government approves changes for the "Selman Stërmasi" stadium and pension indexation
The Media and Information Agency announced the decisions taken at the meeting of the Council of Ministers, held on April 24, 2026. The Government approved......
Albanian businesses, still not ready for EU standards - Heikkinen: Big gap between reforms and preparation of the private sector
How prepared are businesses to fulfill and benefit from the National Agenda reforms within the Economic Growth Plan? At a roundtable organized on this......
Spring marks an increase in tourism in Albania/ The entry of foreign tourists has increased by 10.8%
During the month of March, a significant improvement was observed in the tourism sector and in the entry of citizens into Albania. Specifically, during this......
Nordics chose Albania in March/ War gives the first signals. Denmark marks the highest growth
Foreign nationals entering Albania returned to strong growth in March, after a weak start to the year. According to INSTAT, 609,363 foreign nationals entered......
