In January 2025, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) experienced a temporary freeze of most of its funding programs going to foreign countries. This temporary freeze allowed officials to re-evaluate some programs and revise funds distribution for more efficiency.

For USAID programs in Albania, statistics show that most funding supported peace and security efforts. To put it into perspective, out of the $21 million that USAID provided Albania in 2020, $16 million was for strengthening national defense, $4 million was for improving the governing democracy system and about $200 thousand was directed at economic growth. While part of this funding responded to the COVID-19 pandemic, these three areas have remained the primary focus of USAID programs in Albania.

USAID Compete SëBashku

As of 2025, Albania continues to receive funding from USAID, with several projects still up and running. Most USAID programs in Albania focus on the country’s economic growth, aiding the country’s democracy and supplying resources to help alleviate poverty. USAID Compete SëBashku works to bolster Albania’s economic functions. The program works to create more opportunities for businesses to start and grow, creating more jobs for underprivileged citizens and strengthening both the buyer and supplier networks in Albania. The program, launched in 2024, is in coordination with the European Union (EU) as well and has received $12 million from the U.S. alone to help bolster the agrifood system.

The CIDR in Albania

There has also been much work on improving cybersecurity; one of the USAID programs in Albania is the Critical Infrastructure Digitalization and Resilience (CIDR). A large-scale program operating in multiple European countries that USAID supports with funding. The plan is to conclude the program in 2026 by reaching the aim of strengthening the digitized use of government for Albania and the private sectors, making them much more resilient to cyber attacks or breaches of digital security. As Albania’s economy and business opportunities grow, strengthening cybersecurity can potentially ensure the safety of transactions and deals, while also assuring citizens’ personal lives.

Another project scheduled to conclude in 2026 is Improving Community Resilience (ICR). This program primarily targets neglected citizens and larger communities susceptible to poverty or strife. Furthermore, it involves providing media engagement in areas that don’t normally have it, other protection programs for women and young girls and encouraging an engaging community that lends a helping hand. The ICR supports the excluded, discriminated, conflicted and abused citizen. The program works to bring justice, health care, education and social protection to these individuals through the charitable actions of other citizens in social care services. 

Looking Ahead

USAID programs in Albania remain active, supporting long-term development through targeted efforts in governance, security and economic growth.

– Russell Bivins

Russell is based in Phoenix, AZ, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr