EBRD lends €10 million to Raiffeisen Bank Bosnia and Herzegovina

• EBRD to lend €10 million to Raiffeisen Bank under the Go Digital in Western Balkans Programme
• Investments in digital technology to boost competitiveness of small businesses, drive innovation, sustainability and inclusivity
• European Union grants to help make investments more affordable

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing €10 million to Raiffeisen Bank Bosnia and Herzegovina to on-lend to small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) for investments in digital and automation technology. The loan is being made under the Go Digital in Western Balkans Programme and is supported by incentive payments and technical assistance funded by the European Union.

The programme aims to drive innovation, competitiveness and sustainable growth in the private sector.

With a focus on fostering technological advancement, the Go Digital in Western Balkans Programme will enable SMEs to embrace automation and digitalisation, ensuring they remain competitive in an increasingly digital landscape. In parallel, investments will be directed towards green economy transition (GET) technologies, helping businesses implement sustainable solutions that contribute to environmental resilience. By unlocking additional resources, businesses will be better positioned to align themselves with EU standards, expand their trade potential and increase their capacity to compete on a global scale.

Furthermore, the initiative promotes inclusive economic growth by ensuring women-led SMEs have equitable access to finance. By supporting investments in automation and digitalisation, the programme aims to boost both the competitiveness and sustainability of these businesses, fostering a more diverse and resilient private sector.

Stela Melnic, EBRD Head for Bosnia and Herzegovina, said: “Supporting SMEs in their digital and green transition is essential for fostering a competitive and resilient private sector. We are not only driving innovation and sustainability but also ensuring that businesses - especially those led by women - have equitable access to finance and growth opportunities. This initiative will help SMEs harness the power of automation and digitalisation, making them more competitive in both local and international markets."

Antonella Di Sandri, Head of Operations Section for Economic Development, Natural Resources and Infrastructure at the EU Delegation to Bosnia and Herzegovina, commented: “Digital transformation is key to driving innovation, increasing competitiveness and ensuring long-term economic growth. That is why the EU is continuously supporting SMEs in Bosnia and Herzegovina through various initiatives. The EU has allocated €27.6 million in grants for the Go Digital regional programme, along with an additional €11.2 million which has already been utilised under the pilot Go Digital in Bosnia and Herzegovina programme. In total, close to €40 million in EU funds has been provided to help businesses in the Western Balkans to invest in modern digital technologies. Through this programme, the EU is providing grants that will make these investments more affordable, ensuring that SMEs can access financing with better terms and lower costs. Today’s loan agreement between the EBRD and Raiffeisen Bank marks a key step in this effort."

"We are delighted to be the first bank in the country with the opportunity to offer enhanced financial support to companies in achieving their goals in digitalization and automation, thereby improving their operational efficiency and market competitiveness. Being the first bank in Bosnia and Herzegovina to join the new Go Digital in Western Balkans programme, and the bank of choice for the EBRD, confirms our contribution in creating opportunities that help our clients conduct business more effectively and efficiently," said Rainer Schnabl, President of the Management Board of Raiffeisen Bank in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The EBRD has invested more than €3 billion in 242 projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina since it began operating there in 1996. The Bank’s strategic priorities in the country are to promote the green economy, support the competitive development of the private sector and foster regional integration.