EBRD lends €3m to Kosovo’s leading MFI, KEP, for on-lending to MSMEs

The private sector in Kosovo will benefit from a €3 million EBRD loan to Kosovo’s largest microfinance institution, KEP Trust. This will be used for on-lending to local, privately-owned micro, and small enterprises, the most vibrant and fast-growing sector of the economy. The loan will improve businesses’ access to finance by helping to expand KEP’s lending.

Micro and small entrepreneurs, low-income individuals and rural households in Kosovo often find it difficult to access finance. KEP seeks to address this by providing financing to these segments through its 31 branches across Kosovo. Almost half of its loan portfolio is for the housing sector.

Founded in 1999, KEP was registered as a non-governmental organisation in 2002 and is also registered as a microfinance institution. KEP became an EBRD client in 2006 when the Bank provided a credit line for small enterprises. Today KEP is among the key financial institutions for the Bank to reach underserved MSMEs in Kosovo.

Since the start of its operations in Kosovo, the EBRD has invested €345 million in the country through 60 projects. In Kosovo, the Bank focuses on private sector development, green economy and infrastructure