Albania’s social and economic landscape in 2025 is marked by significant structural challenges. Approximately 20% of the population lives in poverty, with this figure expected to gradually decrease due to ongoing recovery from the 2019 earthquake and COVID-19 pandemic impacts¹. High youth unemployment (around 19%) persists alongside a notable gender gap in labor participation², and income inequality remains one of the highest in the Western Balkans³. The economy depends heavily on the informal sector and non-productive industries such as construction and services, while urban housing markets face high vacancy and affordability challenges². Albania is also working towards reforms in business climate, infrastructure, and digitalization to foster more inclusive and sustainable growth³.
At the micro level, Tirana, Albania’s capital, exhibits concentrated urban poverty with marginalized groups, including women and children, facing barriers in accessing quality social services⁴. Women’s shelters and orphanages in Tirana operate under resource constraints and are challenged by increased demand due to economic hardship and domestic violence⁴. Overcrowded housing and underserved populations, including migrants and internally displaced persons, strain social support structures⁴. Vulnerable individuals, especially women and children, often lack adequate hygiene education, health care access, and empowerment programs, making these social institutions critical in the city’s efforts to address inequality and social exclusion⁴.
HXP builder will help to love and build this community. A project focusing on either women’s shelters or orphanages in Tirana will help make a meaningful impact on this community. At this moment, we are unsure of the specifics of the project, but we know it will consist of partnering with local NGOs who will ensure culturally sensitive approaches that align with local needs, fostering resilience, healthier living conditions, and long-term empowerment in marginalized communities².
Sources:
2 World Bank, “Albania Overview