As a response to the devastating earthquake of the 26th of November 2019 as well as the crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, UNDP is supporting the Government of Albania in its economic recovery efforts through the Economic Recovery and Resilience Programme in Albania (ERR).

Funded by the Government of the United Kingdom and the Government of Netherlands, ERR aims to stimulate the economy through revitalizing the competitiveness of micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSME-s). MSME-s constitute the backbone of the Albanian economy, accounting for 99.8% of the total number of enterprises and 81.6% of all employment. Supporting their recovery and resilience capacities is thus deemed to be crucial for the revival of the economy.

The first pilot phase of In Motion in Albania was implemented in 15 businesses located in the Municipality of Durrës immediately after the earthquake of November 26, 2019.

In November 2021, in collaboration with the Municipality of Tirana, In Motion was implemented in Astir, Tirana, supporting 35 micro businesses that were affected by the earthquake and Covid – 19 pandemics.

Through this booklet we are sharing the 35 stories of the beneficiaries before and after the implementation of In Motion. The programme supported these businesses through personalized technical assistance and rebranding of their commercial image. The 35 businesses represented the most common type of small shops from minimarket to tailors, hairdressers, barbers, small restaurants, shops, etc.