Raiffeisen Bank The first bank in BIH with the new "Go Digital in Western Balkans" programme

·  EUR 10 million intended for increasing the capacity, resilience and innovation of SMEs in the Western Balkans

·  Funds allocated for financing investments in digitalization, automation, competitiveness and green technologies

(Sarajevo, 26/02/2025) – Raiffeisen Bank yesterday signed an agreement for a new credit line with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on the implementation of the "Go Digital in the Western Balkans" programme with the aim of increasing the capacity, resilience and innovation of  SMEs.

"We are excited for being the first on the BiH market to have the opportunity to provide a better financial support to companies in achieving their goals in the fields of digitalization and automation, which will improve their operational efficiency and market competitiveness. Being the first bank in Bosnia and Herzegovina to join the new "Go Digital in Western Balkans" programme and being the bank of choice for the EBRD certainly confirms our contribution in creating opportunities for our clients to do business even better and more efficiently," said Rainer Schnabl, President of the Management Board of Raiffeisen Bank in Bosnia and Herzegovina, on this occasion.

The new "Go Digital in Western Balkans" programme focuses on two types of investments: investments in automation, which aim to increase efficiency by at least 20% compared to current levels, and investments in digitalization, which include new technologies and digital data processing.

“Supporting companies in their digital and green transition is essential for fostering a competitive and resilient private sector. We are not only driving innovation and sustainability but also ensuring that businesses — especially those led by women — have equitable access to finance and growth opportunities. This initiative will help companies harness the power of automation and digitalisation, making them more competitive in both local and international markets“, added Stela Melnic, EBRD Head for Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

As part of this programme, ten million euros are intended for investments in digitalization, automation, competitiveness and green technologies, and the maximum loan amount for one client is one million euros. The program is supported by program consultants and each project involving eligible investments in automation and digitalization, verified as successfully implemented by the program consultant, will be eligible for a financial incentive. This technical assistance and incentive payments are financed by the European Union. 

„The EU has allocated €27.6 million in grants for the Go Digital regional programme, along with an additional €11.2 million which have been already utilised under the pilot Go Digital in BiH programme. In total, close to €40 million in EU funds to help businesses in the Western Balkans to invest in modern digital technologies“, stated Antonella Di Sandri, Head of Operations Section for Economic Development, Natural Resources and Infrastructure at the EU Delegation to BiH.