Greening Private Enterprises in Kosovo (GPEK)
GPEK empowers Kosovo’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to stay competitive and resilient as European markets increasingly demand compliance with green standards. By fostering innovation, access to finance, and quality business services, the project drives increased productivity. This transformation strengthens enterprises, sustains employment, and advances Kosovo’s inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
| Country/region | Topic | Period | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Kosovo |
Inclusive economic Development nothemedefined
SME development
Business support & economic inclusion |
01.07.2024
- 31.03.2029 |
CHF 5’580’000
|
- Central State of South East
- HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation
- Other international or foreign NGO North
- Foreign private sector South/East
- Swiss Private Sector
-
Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation INDUSTRY
BUSINESS & OTHER SERVICES
Sub-Sector according to the OECD Developement Assistance Commitiee categorisation Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) development
Business support services and institutions
Aid Type Mandate with fiduciary funds
Mandate without fiduciary fund
Project number 7F10355
| Background | The European Union (EU) is one of the main destinations for Kosovo’s exports. To remain competitive in these markets and cope with rising costs, SMEs in Kosovo are under growing pressure to adopt greener and more resource-efficient business practices. However, the current business environment is not yet strong enough to support a rapid green transition. Many SMEs lack the information and technical capacity required to meet EU regulatory standards. In addition, inadequate incentives and limited access to finance continue to constrain progress. If these challenges remain unaddressed, Kosovo risks facing negative economic and environmental consequences. Socially, this could further exacerbate job insecurity, emigration, and labor shortages. To mitigate these risks, Kosovo should prioritize mobilizing private capital, enhancing stakeholder’s knowledge and awareness of green transition opportunities, and strengthening innovation incentives. |
| Objectives | Enhance the competitiveness and climate resilience of Kosovo’s SMEs by supporting their transition toward cleaner and more resource-efficient technologies and practices, leading to decent and inclusive employment. |
| Target groups | The project primarily targets small and medium enterprises and will work with organizations that support businesses, such as business service providers, the financial sector (like banks), the Government of Kosovo and others. The population target will include men and women from all ethnic groups who are seeking decent employment. |
| Medium-term outcomes |
Outcome 1: Inform – Improved Awareness for Green Transition Outcome 2: Enable – Improved Business Environment for Green Growth Outcome 3: Transform – Green innovation systems enable SMEs to adopt and scale sustainable technologies and practices |
| Results |
Expected results: • Practical Knowledge Available and Peer Networks for SME Greening Established • Green Business Service Models Developed and Tested • Policy Action Support and Public–Private Dialogue Mechanisms Strengthened • Services for Green Innovation Improved Results from previous phases: Access to practical information regarding the green transition for SMEs is currently lacking. Furthermore, there is a lack of green transition know-how among stakeholders, and digital tools are underutilized. Obtaining green finance is challenging for smaller companies. Strategic policy commitments are not being translated into concrete policy incentives, and the green innovation ecosystem is non-existent. |
| Directorate/federal office responsible |
SDC |
| Project partners |
Contract partner International or foreign NGO Private sector Foreign state institution Swiss Non-profit Organisation |
| Coordination with other projects and actors |
• Delegated cooperation with Sweden. Aligned with the EU Green Deal/ Western Balkans Green Agenda. Seeking synergies with GIZ, EBRD, Lux Dev, ADA etc; • Synergies with SECO support in Kosovo on ESG know-how, public-private dialogue, green public finance, and SDC's support on climate, civil society, and social inclusion. |
| Budget | Current phase Swiss budget CHF 5’580’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF 1’092’145 Total project since first phase Swiss budget CHF 520’000 Budget inclusive project partner CHF 13’600’000 |
| Project phases | Phase 1 01.07.2024 - 31.03.2029 (Current phase) |
