MicroBalkans 2026: Rethinking the Future of Lending in Skopje
On 24–26 September 2026, more than 200 financial sector representatives from 15 European countries gathered at the Holiday Inn Skopje for the third edition of MicroBalkans. Under the theme “Lending Reimagined”, the conference looked at how digitalisation, artificial intelligence and new financing models are changing lending in the Western Balkans and beyond.
The event was organised by the Group of Non-Banking Financial Institutions (NBFI Group) at the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia together with the country’s savings houses, in partnership with the Western Balkans Alliance and the European Microfinance Network. The programme opened with addresses by the Governor of the National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia and the Minister of Digital Transformation.
From AI to new financing models
Over two days of panel discussions, fireside chats and expert sessions, participants took on some of the most pressing questions facing the sector. How can banks, savings houses and non-bank financial institutions work more closely together? Why does non-bank microfinance matter for financial inclusion and economic development? And how are digitalisation and AI changing the way credit is assessed, delivered and managed?
The programme covered the digitalisation of lending, artificial intelligence and new technologies, access to capital, new financing models for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), regulatory developments at European level, and responsible borrowing through digital channels. Financial inclusion ran through all of these discussions, with a focus on how microfinance providers working alongside the banking sector can better support entrepreneurs, small businesses and local economies.
As the organisers put it, the financial sector “is no longer debating whether it will transform, but how quickly and responsibly it will do so.”
A room built for exchange
MicroBalkans brought together a broad mix of institutions: banks, savings houses, non-bank financial and microcredit institutions, fintech and IT companies, investors, development finance institutions, regulators and MSMEs. Non-bank and microcredit institutions from across the Western Balkans, members of the Western Balkans Alliance, played an active role throughout.
What set the 2026 edition apart was the spirit in which these conversations took place. Participants came to exchange experiences openly, learn from one another and move beyond general talk towards practical ideas. That willingness to share across borders, sectors and perspectives gave the event its energy and its value.
MFC in Skopje
The Microfinance Centre was represented by Pavol Kapsdorfer, Network and Partnership Manager, and Maria Burek, Research Coordinator. Over the two days, they met with many participating MFC members to exchange updates on recent developments and newly planned initiatives.
We are always grateful for the chance to meet members of our community, some of them long-term friends, to exchange ideas, learn from one another and inspire each other.
See you in Montenegro next year!