In the dynamic landscape of Albania’s growing economy, a group of visionary leaders is paving the way toward innovation, development, and global recognition. These business pioneers have not only built successful companies but have also transformed entire industries, ranging from retail and finance to tourism, technology, and aquaculture. Their influence extends beyond profit margins; they create jobs, attract foreign investment, modernize infrastructure, and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.
This list highlights ten influential individuals who are actively shaping Albania’s economic future and leaving a lasting impact on both the local and international stage.
1. Samir Mane
Samir Mane is widely regarded as Albania’s most successful entrepreneur. Founder and President of the Balfin Group, one of the largest investment groups in the Western Balkans, Mane’s business empire spans retail, real estate, energy, mining, and tourism. His shopping centers, such as TEG and QTU, have transformed the retail landscape in Albania. His investments have generated thousands of jobs, making him a driving force behind the country’s modern economy.
2. Vasil Naçi
Vasil Naçi, the founder of Agna Group, is a respected name in Albania’s business community. Starting with beverage distribution, Agna Group has expanded into food, logistics, and real estate. Naçi’s vision for innovation and quality has positioned his company as a trusted partner for global brands in Albania. His commitment to sustainable growth has contributed significantly to Albania’s private sector development.
3. Irfan Hysenbelliu
Irfan Hysenbelliu, owner of News 24, Balkanweb, and Birra Korça, is a media mogul and entrepreneur with a diverse business portfolio. Through his investment group, Hysenbelliu has impacted industries from media to education and hospitality. His ventures, including prestigious universities and hotels, have created jobs and boosted Albania’s service sector, shaping its modern economy.
4. Edmond Leka
As co-founder of Credins Bank, Edmond Leka has played a vital role in the development of Albania’s banking and financial services sector. Credins Bank is among the largest banks in the country, supporting businesses and individuals with modern banking solutions. Leka’s leadership has been key in promoting financial inclusion and economic growth in Albania.
5. Agron Shehaj
Agron Shehaj is a successful Albanian entrepreneur and politician, best known for founding IDS (International Distribution Services), a multi-million euro digital marketing and e-commerce company operating across Europe and the U.S. Born in Vlorë and raised partly in Italy, Shehaj returned to Albania in the early 2000s and became one of the country’s leading figures in online business. He is also a Member of Parliament, recognized for promoting transparency, anti-corruption efforts, and support for small businesses and tech innovation.
6. Armand Duka
Best known as the President of the Albanian Football Association, Armand Duka is also a successful businessman. His company, Erzeni, is a leading distributor in the food and beverage sector. Duka’s investments and leadership in sports and business have fostered economic growth, employment, and Albania’s global visibility, particularly through football.
7. Mirela Kumbaro
Although widely recognized for her political and academic contributions, Mirela Kumbaro has also been instrumental in promoting Albania’s cultural economy. Through her work in sustainable tourism and cultural heritage, Kumbaro has attracted investments and elevated Albania’s international image, contributing to the country’s economic diversification.
8. Gjergj Luca
Gjergj Luca founded Rozafa Fish, one of the most successful fish farming and export businesses in Albania. His company has expanded the country’s aquaculture sector, supplying both domestic and European markets. Luca’s entrepreneurial spirit has driven innovation in food production, positioning Albania as a competitive player in the Mediterranean seafood industry.
9. Adrian Civici
Adrian Civici is a well-known economist and founder of the European University of Tirana. His contributions to Albania’s education sector have provided the country with a new generation of skilled professionals and entrepreneurs. Civici’s work in academia and economic policy has helped shape Albania’s economic reforms and human capital development.
10. Aleksander Frangaj
Aleksandër Frangaj is a prominent Albanian media entrepreneur and former journalist who co-founded Koha Jonë, the nation’s first independent post-communist newspaper. In 1997 he launched Media 6 (later TV Klan), a multimedia empire that includes TV Klan, Klan Plus, Radio Klan, ABC News, and regional channels in Kosovo and North Macedonia . Leveraging his media holdings, Frangaj pivoted into construction and real estate—launching AS Construction in 2019 and playing a key role in the Green Coast resort development as a government-endorsed “strategic investor”. Known for his political adaptability, he has faced criticism for benefiting from government advertising across multiple administrations.
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