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.
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.
Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe supported kindergartens in Prishtina by providing 160 mattresses, 41 beds, 145 bedsheets, 400 small wooden toys, 20 sets of logical toys, and 3 walking toys, ensuring comfort and engagement for children.
To improve facilities, we supplied 2 industrial carpet cleaning machines, 2 vacuum cleaners, 1 floor cleaning machine, 2 clothes washers and dryers, 1 iron, and 2 outdoor wooden playsets. Additionally, 5 laptops, 2 TVs, 1 projector with a screen, and 1 printer with a photocopier were provided to enhance educational activities.
This initiative improves learning conditions and supports early childhood development in Prishtina’s kindergartens.
Following the devastating earthquake that struck Albania, leaving 51 dead and over 3,000 injured, Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe Mission in Kosovo swiftly mobilized to provide emergency relief. The hardest-hit area, Durres, saw widespread destruction, with ongoing rescue efforts for those trapped under collapsed buildings.
As part of its regional emergency aid efforts, Help allocated funds for distributing blankets and sleeping bags to assist those forced to spend nights outdoors. With over 20 years of experience in Southeast Europe, Help is coordinating its relief mission in close collaboration with local and national authorities to ensure efficient and effective support. Additionally, the team is assessing further assistance measures to extend long-term recovery efforts in Albania.
In our ongoing effort to foster economic growth and community development, we have successfully provided a total of 2,088 grants across three key sectors:
🔹 751 Grants for Services – Supporting businesses in hospitality, retail, and professional services.
🔹 636 Grants for Crafts – Encouraging artisans, small-scale producers, and traditional craftsmanship.
🔹 701 Grants for Agriculture – Strengthening farming, agribusiness, and sustainable food production.
We have been committed to supporting vulnerable groups in Kosovo through a range of initiatives aimed at alleviating the impacts of COVID-19 and improving long-term well-being.
We provided 20 laptops to 10 safe houses, enabling children in shelters to continue their education through e-learning. In response to COVID-19, we also supplied essential hygiene and safety items to the Elderly Care House in Prishtina and various crisis-affected families.
Our relief efforts extended to 345 families, delivering food and hygiene packages, and 649 individuals, including shelter residents and impoverished families, directly benefitting from our initiatives.
Key achievements include donating medical supplies and disinfectants to the Prishtina Emergency Operations Center and Kosovo Correctional Services, producing 2,000 reusable face shields, and supporting 7 women farmers in Kishinice village with greenhouses. We also supplied 50,000 surgical masks to the University Clinical Center of Kosovo and boosted local production with BONEVET to produce 700 face shields weekly.
These efforts have played a vital role in easing the economic challenges posed by the pandemic and continue to provide critical support to the most vulnerable communities across Kosovo.
A total of 46 staff members have been certified within the Kosovo Correctional Service (KCS) through specialized training programs. These training sessions are designed to enhance technical skills, improve security protocols, and support the professional development of staff.
Key training programs included:
IT Essentials: HTML, CSS, JavaScript
Dynamic Security (AUK)
IT Training: Microsoft Office, SQL Database
IT/Coding; IT/Network Administration & IP Services
These certifications ensure that staff are well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their roles effectively, improving overall security, communication, and technical capabilities
A total of 116 vocational training programs have been implemented to enhance skills, improve employment chances, and support reintegration into society.
💼 Job Readiness: Strengthening Employment Chances in Post-Penal Period 💻 Digital Skills: Introduction to Microsoft Office, IT Training 🎨 Creative Trades: Screen Printing, Jewelry Training, Sewing Training 🔧 Technical Skills: Welding with ISO Certification 🌿 Sustainability: Greenhouse for Ex-Inmates 📊 Entrepreneurship: Micro Business Game (Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe) 🧠 Personal Development: Cognitive-Behavioral Training Program
