Governor Sejko Attends IMF and WBG Spring Meetings 2026 in Washington

BANK OF ALBANIA

PRESS RELEASE

Governor Sejko attends IMF and WBG Spring Meetings 2026 in Washington D.C.

Publication date: 19.04.2026

On 16-18 April 2026, Mr Gent Sejko, Governor of the Bank of Albania, attended the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WB) in Washington D.C., USA.

The joint Albanian delegation was represented by Mr Gent Sejko, Governor of the Bank of Albania, the First Deputy Governor, Ms Holta Zaçaj and other BoA senior officials; the Ministry of Finance - represented by the Minister of Finance, Mr Petrit Malaj, Deputy Minister, Mr Indrit Yzeiraj, and other MoF officials.

During the IMF-WB Spring Meetings 2026, Governor Sejko held several important meetings with prominent personalities of international finance, and senior representatives, among others, from the IMF:  Mr Riccardo Ercoli, Executive Director of the IMF for Albania; Mr Alfred Kammer, Director of the European Department at the IMF; Ms Mary Goodman, Assistant Director and Chief of the Debt Capital Markets Division in the International Monetary Fund's Monetary and Capital Markets; Mr Diego Cerdeiro, IMF Mission Chief for Albania; from the WB Group: Ms Antonella Bassani, Vice President for Europe and Central Asia; Mr Matteo Bugamelli, Executive Director for Albania; Ms Xiaoqing Yu, Regional Director for the Western Balkans at the WB.

Discussions during the meetings reviewed recent macroeconomic and financial developments in Albania, alongside the stance of macroeconomic policies and trends in the financial and banking sectors.

Albanian economy continues a positive trajectory, underpinned by the growth of economic activity, including rising employment and wages. Inflation remains contained, with the latest data pointing to a gradual convergence towards the target over the course of 2026.

Governor Gent Sejko highlighted the significant strengthening in the financial soundness of the banking sector, which continues to be characterised by robust stability and ample liquidity, low interest rates, and steady credit growth to the private sector. These conditions have supported consumption and investment, thereby contributing positively to overall economic growth.

Regarding the outlook, the Governor emphasized that uncertainties in the external environment—particularly those related with geopolitical developments and fluctuations in energy prices—continue to pose significant risks to economic performance and warrant sustained attention going forward. He further reaffirmed that the Albanian authorities remain committed to addressing these challenges and safeguarding macroeconomic stability.

In meetings with representatives from various departments of the International Monetary Fund, discussions focused on the provision of technical assistance for the new draft law on the Bank of Albania, particularly in relation to its alignment with the European Union ACQUIS. IMF representatives expressed appreciation for the close cooperation with the Bank of Albania and acknowledged the progress achieved in strengthening the central bank’s legal and institutional framework.

Governor Sejko also held meetings with representatives of the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation. Discussions centred on developments in the financial sector, as well as on projects aimed at further supporting its resilience and development. Representatives of the World Bank commended the sustainability of the Albanian banking sector and the positive performance of the reforms undertaken, while underscoring the importance of continued cooperation on strategic projects, particularly those related to the modernisation of payment systems and alignment with European standards.

Representatives of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank commended the progress achieved by Albania in preserving macroeconomic stability, while underscoring the importance of maintaining prudent policies to address external risks. They further referred to the recent assessment by Moody's, which assigned Albania a rating of “Ba3” with a stable outlook, reflecting the economy’s resilience in the face of external challenges, as well as continued progress in strengthening macroeconomic stability and advancing fiscal consolidation.

In the context of regional discussions, Gent Sejko participated in the round table focusing on progress in the implementation of the Single Euro Payments Area and the TARGET Instant Payment Settlement. Participants commended the commitment of regional countries to advance financial integration, while emphasising the importance of strengthened regional cooperation in enhancing the efficiency and interoperability of payment systems, with a direct positive impact on end users.

The Governor also participated in a closed-door meeting with ministers of finance and central bank governors from the Central, Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, as a keynote speaker. In this context, he shared reflections on the current challenges facing the economic environment amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty. In his remarks, Governor Sejko highlighted three key messages:  First, Albania is facing this current challenge in a better shape, thanks to improved fundamentals and a stronger policy framework. Second, despite the higher degrees afforded to us, we should stand ready for timely and determined policy action. Credibility is hard to gain but easy to lose. Third, recent experience has shown that a global crisis requires a global and coordinated reaction.

Participants emphasised the need for closer coordination of economic policies and for strengthening inter-institutional cooperation in addressing shared challenges.

In all meetings, Governor Sejko underlined the importance of maintaining prudent macroeconomic policies to safeguard price stability and reinforce financial sustainability. He further reaffirmed the commitment of the Bank of Albania to deepening cooperation with international partners in support of sustainable economic development and the advancement of the country’s European integration process.

During his visit to Washington, Governor Sejko also participated in a series of high-level meetings and roundtables aimed at further strengthening cooperation with international financial institutions and supporting the promotion of Albania.

• IMFC Statement by Mr.  Giancarlo Giorgetti, Minister of the Economy and Finance, Italy: On behalf of Albania, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, and Republic of San Marino
• Governor Sejko: Address in the closed-door meeting with the Ministers of Finance and Central Banks Governors in the Central, South, and Southeastern European (CSSEE) countries to discuss about the prospective and challenges of politics in Europe.