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

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.