EFSE and BKT Kosovo expand sustainable agriculture finance with targeted support for farmers

Mostar, 16 September 2026 – The European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE) and BKT Kosovo are strengthening their longstanding partnership through a technical assistance initiative designed to advance sustainable agriculture finance in Kosovo. The project will support BKT Kosovo in integrating sustainable agriculture lending into its regular agricultural finance operations and strengthening staff capacity, while providing farmers with training, advisory services, and on-site coaching.

The initiative complements EFSE’s EUR 20 million senior credit line provided to BKT Kosovo in December 2025, of which 30% was earmarked for sustainable agriculture investments. It builds on more than a decade of partnership, under which EFSE has provided EUR 55 million in senior and subordinated financing to support MSMEs, agriculture, and sustainable finance in Kosovo.

To support the effective deployment of these resources, the project will help BKT Kosovo strengthen its sustainable agriculture finance offering through the enhancement of dedicated lending products, the integration of sustainability considerations in lending processes, and targeted capacity building for staff. By embedding sustainability principles more systematically into agricultural lending, the initiative aims to create stronger links between access to finance and the adoption of sustainable farming practices.  

The project also places a strong emphasis on supporting farmers directly. Through training programmes, advisory services, and on-site coaching, agricultural producers will gain practical knowledge on sustainable farming approaches, technologies, and investments that can help improve productivity while promoting more sustainable use of resources.

Jacob Ole Nestingen, Mandate Manager of the EFSE DF commented “Financing alone is not enough to accelerate the transition towards more sustainable agriculture. Farmers also need practical knowledge and guidance to select and implement new technologies that strengthen productivity and competitiveness. By combining BKT Kosovo’s agricultural finance expertise and outreach to farmers with targeted technical assistance, we aim to turn dedicated financing into concrete improvements at farm level.” 

“Agriculture remains one of the most important sectors of Kosovo’s economy and a key source of income for many families and businesses. Through our partnership with EFSE, we are further strengthening our commitment to farmers by combining tailored financing solutions with practical support that helps them invest in more sustainable and productive farming practices. This initiative will enhance our ability to serve the agricultural sector, create long-term value for rural communities, and contribute to the sustainable development of Kosovo’s economy,” said Suat Bakkal, CEO of BKT Kosovo. 

 

About EFSE

An impact investment fund established in 2005, the European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE) aims to foster economic development and prosperity in Southeast Europe and the European Eastern Neighborhood Region. EFSE was initiated by KfW Development Bank with the financial support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Commission. As the first public-private partnership of its kind, EFSE draws its capital from donor agencies, international financial institutions, and private institutional investors. Finance in Motion Asset Management S.à r.l., serves as EFSE’s Portfolio Manager and Hauck & Aufhäuser Fund Services S.A., Luxembourg, acts as manager.  

For more information on the European Fund for Southeast Europe, please visit: www.efse.lu  

About Finance in Motion

Finance in Motion structures, manages, and advises almost €4 billion across 10 funds, all classified as SFDR Article 9. These private market funds drive impact for people and planet through regional financial intermediaries, direct investments, advisory and capacity building. Founded in Germany, with local expertise from Latin America to Eastern Europe, it has been investing in emerging markets for over 20 years.  

For more information, please visit: www.finance-in-motion-com    
 

About BKT Kosovo

BKT Kosova operates in the Kosovan market as one of the fastest-growing and most innovative banks. As a universal bank, BKT Kosova serves clients across 17 cities through a strong network of 25 branches, supported by more than 500 employees (FTEs) and over 80 ATMs nationwide.

The bank has introduced numerous modern and innovative banking solutions, offering a competitive range of products and services. BKT Kosova is committed to serving all customer segments, including individuals, corporations, SMEs, and micro-enterprises, while maintaining a strong focus on being recognized as a reliable global banking partner.

Throughout its years of operation in Kosovo, BKT Kosova has received multiple prestigious awards and recognitions from leading international financial magazines and institutions, reflecting its excellence in banking, innovation, customer service, digital transformation, and overall financial performance. These achievements underscore the bank's commitment to delivering high-quality services and maintaining the highest standards in the banking industry.

For BKT Kosova, growth means continually adapting to new developments and evolving customer needs. By doing so, the bank aims to increase long-term value and actively contribute to the sustainable development of society. Within the framework of its sustainability approach, BKT Kosova integrates its corporate values and core sustainability principles into its overall business strategy. 

For more information: www.bkt-ks.com 

 

Media Contacts: 

EFSE: Nusha Westhoff 
Director Marketing & Communications 
+49 69 271 035-789 
press@efse.lu

BKT Kosovo: Fjolla Nimani 
Head of Corporate Communications & Marketing Unit 
Email: fnimani@bkt.com.al  
Mobile:  +383 49 555 779