Last week, Mastercard participated in Plug and Play Tirana Expo 2025, highlighting its continued commitment to the development of Albania’s digital economy. The event brought together local startups, industry leaders, and international experts to explore the transformative role of technology in driving economic growth, with a special focus on digital innovation and cybersecurity.
Ivan Hadjov, Mastercard’s Director for Fintech and Non-Traditional/Digital Partnerships, joined the discussions, emphasizing the critical importance of collaboration between global and local actors in fostering a secure, inclusive, and innovative digital ecosystem.
Over the course of the two-day expo, more than 60 speakers and international participants from over 20 countries gathered, representing the technology sector, venture capital, government, and corporate entities. Hosted at the iconic Pyramid of Tirana, the expo served as a dynamic forum for exchanging ideas on how Mastercard supports startups, fintech companies, and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in building more secure and inclusive digital economies. With Albania experiencing rapid digital transformation, these discussions were both timely and essential.
“Albania’s digitalization is advancing at a remarkable pace,” said Hadjov. “Mastercard is committed to supporting this progress with our expertise and experience. By closely collaborating with Albanian stakeholders, including the government, startups, fintech firms, and the private sector, we can open new opportunities that empower both individuals and businesses. Our goal goes beyond introducing advanced payment technologies; we aim to foster a culture of trust, cooperation, and security across Albania’s digital economy.”
A key highlight of Mastercard’s recent initiatives in Albania is the launch of the national digital payments program, POSI, in partnership with the Government of Albania, the Association of Banks of Albania, and commercial banks. This initiative will distribute 4,750 free POS terminals across critical sectors such as grocery stores, hotels, restaurants, cafés, and taxis. As Albania’s tourism industry flourishes, Mastercard Economic Institute data confirms that enabling digital payments at primary points of sale is crucial to ensuring the safety and convenience of international visitors.
“At Mastercard, we view the POSI program as an initial step in supporting Albania’s digitalization efforts. We are encouraged by the shift in consumer behavior from ATM withdrawals to POS transactions, as highlighted by the Bank of Albania,” Hadjov added.
Recent data from the Bank of Albania shows that approximately 12.57 million card payments were made through POS terminals in the first half of 2025, marking a 42% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Out of every 100 card transactions (excluding e-money), around 52 were POS payments, while the remainder comprised cash withdrawals or deposits. The total value of card payments over the six-month period reached 48.3 billion Albanian lek, an 11% increase from the previous year. The number of POS terminals also rose to 27,969, representing a 28.4% growth compared to mid-2024.
As Albania’s digital infrastructure develops rapidly, cybersecurity has become a top priority. Mastercard is ready to contribute its global expertise to protect the country’s digital architecture and strengthen trust in everyday transactions, ensuring that businesses and citizens can confidently embrace online platforms.
Looking ahead, Mastercard reaffirms its commitment to Albania’s digital ambitions. The company aims to continue supporting both SMEs and individuals while deepening collaboration in areas such as cybersecurity and data-driven economies. By offering advanced technologies and professional expertise, Mastercard seeks to help build a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable digital economy in Albania, ensuring that the nation’s digital transformation remains strong and resilient.
The Plug and Play Tirana Expo 2025 demonstrated that collaboration, innovation, and security are the pillars of Albania’s digital future. Through programs like POSI and ongoing partnerships with startups and fintech companies, Mastercard is not only facilitating digital payments but also cultivating a culture of trust, resilience, and inclusivity for the Albanian economy.
As the country accelerates toward a fully digital economy, initiatives like these are shaping a future-ready Albania, where innovation drives growth, security reinforces confidence, and technology creates opportunities for all citizens and businesses. Mastercard’s active engagement underlines the vital role that global leaders can play in supporting local digital ecosystems and building a brighter, safer, and more connected future.