We are thrilled to announce the ABSL Kosovo Annual Meetup 2026, a milestone event marking the first year of empowering the business services sector in Kosovo. Join us as we bring together industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to discuss the next chapter of our journey.
This year, we shift our focus toward the future. Moving beyond our reputation as a nearshore destination, we are exploring Kosovo’s potential as a true Innovation Frontier. From member spotlights to strategic panel discussions on our digital future, this event is designed to foster collaboration and showcase the growth of our local ecosystem.
Keynote Sessions: Insights from government representatives and industry pioneers.
Member Spotlight: Rapid-fire presentations showcasing local innovation.
Strategy Roadmap: A first look at the ABSL Kosovo roadmap and strategic goals for the coming year.
Networking: A social mixer with live music to build deeper industry connections.
Save the Date:
Date: 15th April 2026
Time: 10:00 – 15:00
Venue: Swiss Diamond Hotel, Prishtina
This initiative is part of the interventions developed within RECONOMY as a regional inclusive and green economic development program of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency Sida, implemented by HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation in partnership with Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe and others in the Eastern Partnership and the Western Balkan countries.
This week marked an important step towards advancing sustainability and social inclusion in Kosovo.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe, Muqa Solar Company L.L.C., and Qendra për Jetë të Pavarur.
This partnership aims to promote renewable energy solutions, enhance energy efficiency, and support the independence and well-being of persons with disabilities.
As part of this collaboration, a solar water heating system will be donated and installed at the Center for Independent Living, improving service conditions while reducing operational costs.
A concrete commitment to building a greener, more inclusive future.
Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe in Kosovo had the pleasure of welcoming colleagues from Headquarters for a multi-day visit focused on strengthening collaboration, reviewing programme progress, and deepening engagement with partners and beneficiaries.
Day 1 – Strategic Exchange and Institutional Meetings The visit began with a presentation of Help’s portfolio in Kosovo, highlighting ongoing projects, key achievements, and strategic priorities. The exchange provided an opportunity to reflect on programme implementation and align on future directions.
As part of the agenda, a meeting was held at the German Embassy in Pristina with Deputy German Ambassador Christian Böttcher. Discussions focused on programme updates, opportunities for enhanced cooperation, and shared priorities in supporting sustainable development and inclusive growth in Kosovo.
Day 2 – Field Visits and Community Engagement The second day brought the delegation closer to the impact of Help’s work on the ground. The team visited Smrekonica Correctional Centre, where ongoing support initiatives in rehabilitation, skills development, and reintegration were presented.
The visit continued with engagements with beneficiaries and partners in North and South Mitrovica, offering valuable insights into local challenges, success stories, and the tangible outcomes of ongoing interventions. These interactions reinforced the importance of community-based approaches and inclusive support mechanisms.
Day 3 – Regional Dialogue and Future Outlook The final day focused on strategic dialogue and regional exchange. The day started with a productive meeting with ABSL Kosovo, where discussions centred on advancing the ICT and BPO sector and creating more opportunities for youth employment.
Activities continued at the offices of Help in Kosovo, where colleagues from Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Headquarters presented key achievements of the RECONOMY Programme funded by Sida and implemented by Helvetas and Help across the Western Balkans and Eastern Partnership. The discussions highlighted the importance of regional collaboration, shared learning, and scaling impactful interventions for inclusive economic development.
This visit reaffirmed Help’s strong commitment to partnership, knowledge exchange, and delivering sustainable impact across the region. By combining strategic dialogue with direct engagement in the field, the exchange further strengthened alignment between teams and reinforced a shared vision for inclusive and resilient economic development.
Day 4 – Internal Systems Strengthening and Strategic Planning
The fourth day focused on strengthening internal systems, financial management practices, and strategic planning for the upcoming programming period. A dedicated session was organized on financial management and administrative processes highlighted the importance of improving cost planning and allocation.
The day continued with a review of the Kosovo Country Strategy (2025–2027), focusing on key priorities such as vocational training, job creation, green transition, and support to vulnerable groups.
The team explored priority thematic areas, potential partnerships, and opportunities to further align project ideas with donor expectations. Emphasis was placed on building competitive proposals and strengthening cooperation with private sector actors and regional partners.
The day concluded with a forward-looking discussion on priorities and next steps, highlighting the need to scale impactful interventions, expand partnerships, and enhance programme sustainability. Key directions included increased participation in consortia, diversification of funding sources, and continued strengthening of monitoring and results measurement systems.
Day 5 – Wrap-up, Reflections, and Way Forward
The final day of the visit focused on reflection, consolidation of key insights, and defining the way forward.
The five-day exchange provided a comprehensive overview of Help’s work in Kosovo, combining internal coordination, field engagement, and high-level strategic discussions. It offered valuable insights into programme performance, operational challenges, and opportunities for growth.
Key takeaways included strong evidence of impact at beneficiary level, particularly in employment generation, skills development, and community-based support. At the same time, discussions highlighted the need for continued improvements in financial planning, procurement coordination, and alignment with evolving donor requirements.
The visit also reinforced the importance of strengthening partnerships—both locally and regionally—and further positioning Help within emerging funding frameworks and regional cooperation mechanisms.
Project Region: Kosovo (national focus, rural areas)
Duration: September 2025 – August 2026
Donor: GIZ (on behalf f the German Government and the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development of Kosovo)
Budget (Euro): 693,600.00 €
Economic Promotion to Stabilize the Labour Market in Kosovo is an economic development initiative supported by the German Government through GIZ Kosovo and the Government of Kosovo through the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Development, implemented by Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe.
Project Details – Overall Objective:
Strengthen economic self-reliance and stabilize the labour market in Kosovo by supporting rural entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods, with a strong focus on women, youth, and marginalized groups.
Key Results and Expected Outcomes
100 rural entrepreneurs supported through transparent and competitive selection, with a minimum of 30% women.
€693,600 invested in rural economic development through equipment-only grants combined with mentoring support.
More than 5,000 hours of individualized mentoring delivered (up to 50 hours per beneficiary).
Over 80% of beneficiaries report increased income, improved skills, or business growth.
Enhanced self-employment and income-generating opportunities across rural communities.
Skills and Capacity Development
Business, financial, and operational skills strengthened through one-on-one mentoring.
Entrepreneurial capacity improved through tailored coaching aligned with individual business needs.
Productivity and sustainability increased through targeted, needs-based equipment packages.
Inclusion and Local Impact
Women, youth, minorities, and marginalized rural groups empowered to build viable livelihoods.
Rural economies strengthened through improved access to tools, skills, and income opportunities.
Contribution to more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable local economic development.
Implementation Approach
Equipment-only grants combined with structured mentoring to ensure effective use and long-term impact.
Strong focus on self-employment, income stability, and labour market inclusion in rural areas.
Implemented nationwide, leveraging Help’s extensive field presence and established local partnerships.
Help, për projektin “Promovimi Ekonomik për Stabilizimin e Tregut të Punës”, të komisionuar nga BMZ (Ministria Federale Gjermane për Bashkëpunim Ekonomik dhe Zhvillim) dhe MBPZhR (Ministria e Agrikulturës, Pylltarisë dhe Zhvillimit Rural), fton të gjithë operatorët ekonomikë të kualifikuar dhe të specializuar të marrin pjesë në tenderin për Kontratë Shërbimi për Ofrimin e Shërbimeve të Mentorimit dhe Trajnimit.
Data e shpalljes së tenderit:
13.11.2025
Data e mbylljes së tenderit:
04.12.2025, ora 16:00
Dokumentet e tenderit do të përmbajnë të gjitha informacionet përkatëse në detaje dhe mund të merren duke kontaktuar në adresën e emailit: shala@help-ev.de
Help Kosovo’s Country Director, Shqipe Breznica, was honored to attend a reception hosted by the Chargé d’Affaires of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Christian Böttcher, on the occasion of the Day of German Unity and the 35th Anniversary of German Reunification.
The event took place on Thursday, 16 October 2025, bringing together representatives from institutions, partners, and the diplomatic community for an evening of celebration.
Help Kosovo’s Country Director was also pleased to meet the new Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Kosovo, Mr. Rainer Rudolph.
We’re happy to share highlights from our participation in Net4Dev, the international networking event designed for the development sector.
In this short video, our team — together with colleagues from @PassionFruitSAS — share their experience and reflect on how Net4Dev became so much more than just an event:
– A launchpad for new partnerships that open doors for future collaboration
– A chance to connect with key donors and peers and strengthen meaningful relationships
– A space for professional growth powered by an innovative, AI-driven platform
From impactful B2B meetings to fresh insights and unexpected collaborations, Net4Dev showed us that connection truly drives opportunity.
Watch the video and see why we believe this event is a must for anyone working in international development.
Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe Mission in Kosovo was honored to participate in the Sommerfest, organized by the Kosovarisch-Deutsche Wirtschaftsvereinigung (KDWV) / Kosovar-German Economic Association / Oda Ekonomike Gjermano-Kosovare (OEGJK).
Besnik Vasolli, Executive Director of KDWV, expressed his satisfaction and acknowledgment of the strong presence of companies and organizations, highlighting the event as an excellent opportunity for networking and collaboration.
The evening was enriched with good music and a welcoming atmosphere, hosted in the inspiring setting of the Center for Narrative Practice (former Hivzi Syljemani Library).
This event marked the end of summer and the beginning of September, opening a new season full of activities and stronger cooperation between German companies and organizations in Kosovo.
ABSL Western Balkans is hosting a premier regional conference on 23rd and 24th of October in Sarajevo. Designed to promote collaboration and fuel the expansion of the business services sector across the region. This flagship event will spotlight the Western Balkans as a dynamic hub for business services, showcasing its skilled talent pool, competitive advantages, and the latest global trends shaping the future of business services. Through expert insights, industry networking, and thought-provoking discussions, the conference aims to position the region as a strategic partner for international companies seeking innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable growth. 👉More information on tickets and speakers coming soon! Make sure to follow the official conference website:https://lnkd.in/dRH7gmf7 The ABSL Western Balkans Conference is supported byRECONOMY. RECONOMYis an inclusive and green economic development program of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency Sida, implemented by HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation in partnership with Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe and others in the Eastern Partnership and the Western Balkan countries.
