WB Survey: Corruption, the main obstacle to reforms in Albania, also a problem for business

Corruption remains the main obstacle that slows down or hinders economic and social reforms in Albania, while for the development of the private sector, in addition to corruption, the biggest concern is the lack of qualified labor.

This is one of the main findings of the “FY 2026 Albania Country Opinion Survey Report”, recently published by the World Bank, which brings together the perceptions of various stakeholders in Albania on development challenges and the role of the World Bank Group in the country. The survey included 219 representatives of institutions, business and civil society, who were interviewed in the spring of this year.

According to the survey, 56% of respondents list corruption among the main factors causing economic and social reforms in Albania to fail or progress slowly. The difference with other obstacles is considerable.

In second place is the government's insufficient capacity, mentioned by 35% of respondents, while 34% identify the lack of government accountability as a problem and 33% political pressures and obstacles.

Furthermore, 26% of respondents link the slow pace of reforms to insufficient participation of citizens and civil society, while 25% assess that the reforms have not been properly thought out in relation to the country's concrete problems.

Lack of qualified employees and corruption, the main business problems

The results show that corruption is not only seen as an obstacle to reforms, but also as one of the main problems for the development of the private sector. When asked about the biggest challenges facing businesses in Albania, 52% of respondents identified the lack of a qualified workforce and 52% corruption.

The third most cited problem is the regulatory environment, with 47%, while 39% highlight difficulties in accessing finance. Market size and demand are a problem according to 29% of respondents, while 19% mention political instability and 18% shortcomings in infrastructure, including energy and transport.

The findings highlight institutional problems, linked to corruption and an increasing constraint on human capital, as businesses struggle to find employees with the required skills.

Agriculture and education are seen as key development priorities

The World Bank survey also asked stakeholders on which areas the institution should focus on to have the greatest impact on Albania's development.

Agriculture and food security rank first, selected by 49% of respondents, followed closely by education, with 47%.

Health is a priority for 36% of respondents, jobs for 34% and digital infrastructure development for 32%. Transport infrastructure and environmental and natural resource management receive 29% each, while private sector development is selected by 28%.

Tourism is seen as having the greatest potential for new jobs

Another finding of the survey relates to the sectors with the greatest potential to generate employment. Tourism is the sector most mentioned for creating new jobs, but respondents emphasize the need to reduce dependence on mass summer tourism and diversify the offer towards agritourism, cultural, historical and adventure tourism, so that the sector provides employment throughout the year.

Following tourism are agriculture and agro-processing, with a focus on value-added activities such as processing, organic exports, cold storage and packaging. Information technology and digital services are also considered sectors with potential for skilled employment and export-oriented growth.

Renewable energy, green infrastructure, construction, infrastructure and light industry are also mentioned as areas that could create jobs, especially outside Tirana.

Reforms remain theoretical

The survey showed that one of the most frequent requests to the World Bank was to focus more on implementation and measurable results, as respondents see the main gap not in policy design, but in translating reforms into concrete results.

Respondents also call for strengthening institutional and human capacities, more long-term technical assistance, and broader engagement with the private sector, local government, civil society, and universities.

The report recommends, based on these responses, that funding be linked more to measurable indicators, such as improving services, reducing procedure times, and creating jobs./ Monitor