Industry
Energy in Albania
Electricity almost entirely from hydropower — which makes supply depend on rainfall.
In plain language
This section explains how Albania earns its money — tourism, farming, energy, factories and money sent home from abroad.
Nothing in this section is investment advice or a recommendation about any company or security. Where a figure appears it carries its own observation period and source; figures a company does not publish are left blank rather than estimated.
Industries
11
Industry
Tourism in Albania
The fastest-growing part of the economy, concentrated on the southern coast and in a short summer season.
Industry
Agriculture in Albania
A large share of employment on very small holdings — the legacy of the 1991 land redistribution.
Industry
Banking and Finance
A euroised, foreign-owned banking sector supervised by the Bank of Albania.
Industry
Construction and Real Estate
One of the largest contributors to growth, and the sector most exposed to tourism demand.
Industry
Trade and Exports
Italy is by a wide margin the largest partner; exports are led by textiles, minerals, oil and agri-food.
Industry
Remittances
Money sent home by Albanians abroad — a large and stabilising share of national income.
Industry
Technology and Outsourcing
Call centres and IT services for the Italian market, and a small but growing software sector.
Industry
Textiles and Footwear (Fason)
Cut-make-trim contract manufacturing for Italian brands — long one of Albania's largest goods exports.
Industry
Mining in Albania
Chromium above all — Albania has long been among the larger world producers — plus copper and nickel.
Industry
Oil and Gas in Albania
Heavy onshore crude from Patos-Marinza, produced since the 1920s and refined at Ballsh.
Companies
13
Company
Air Albania
The national flag carrier, launched in 2018 with Turkish Airlines as a founding shareholder.
Company
KESH
The state generator that runs the Drin cascade and supplies most Albanian electricity.
Company
Balfin Group
One of the largest private groups in the western Balkans, spanning shopping centres, retail and mining.
Company
Bankers Petroleum
The Canadian-listed operator that redeveloped Patos-Marinza, acquired by China's Geo-Jade Petroleum in 2016.
Company
One Albania
Albania's first mobile operator, formerly AMC and then Telekom Albania, now merged with Albtelecom.
Company
Kastrati Group
A fuel and logistics group that also holds an interest in Air Albania and in airport operations.
Company
Banka Kombëtare Tregtare
One of Albania's largest commercial banks, part of Turkey's Çalık Holding.
Company
Vodafone Albania
The country's other main mobile network, operating since 2001.
Company
Albtelecom
The former state telecoms monopoly, merged with One Albania in 2023.
Company
Credins Bank
A large domestically founded commercial bank.
Company
OST and OSHEE
The transmission system operator and the distribution company that together move Albania's power.
Company
Kurum International
The Turkish group that took over the Elbasan steel complex and several hydropower assets.
Company
Antea Cement
A large cement plant at Boka e Kuqe near Krujë, built by TITAN Cement.