Lifelong Empowerment and Protection in Albania (LEAP)

Albania, classified as an upper-middle-income country, faces significant developmental hurdles such as economic diversification, and social exclusion. The demographic shift, marked by a decline in the population of children aged 0-14 from 21.6% in 2011 to 16.3% in 2022, poses future labour market challenges. Approximately 25% of young people are categorized as NEET (not in education, employment, or training), exacerbating labour market difficulties. 

Furthermore, 27.4% of children live in poverty compared to 20.6% of the general population. The 2023 Census shows that almost one in five persons (19.7 percent) is 65 years of age or older, compared to one in nine persons (11.3 percent) in the 2011 Census. The transition of the population towards a much older population structure is also observed in the dependency ratios. The young-age dependency ratio decreased to 24.0 percent – from 30.4 percent in 2011 – and the old-age dependency ratio increased to 30.4 percent – from 16.7 percent in 2011. The rise in the geriatric population and the increase in life expectancy impels the need for services. The unmet needs of older adults and of persons with disabilities also contribute to the industry growth over the upcoming years and the need to invest in long term care skills development, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive social protection systems. 

The LEAP programme seeks to extend social protection coverage and integrate systems that enhance service quality for children, youth, women, elderly and families. By investing in social protection—currently at 9.6% of GDP compared to the EU average of 20.5%—the programme aims to create a sustainable fiscal space for child-focused investments. 

The LEAP Programme is structured around two interrelated outcomes 

1. Integrated social protection system

• Deployment of the Universal Child Benefit
• Development of innovative Long-Term Care models
• Capacity building for care professionals
• Provision of integrated health and social services for children and families in need

2. Enhanced employability for marginalized groups

• Targeted employment services for social assistance beneficiaries
• Skills development initiatives tailored to the hospitality and tourism sectors
• Establishment of partnerships among public and private providers to facilitate job transitions
• Formalization of the enterprises and workers of the tourism sector

These outcomes align with national priorities and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 3 (Good Health), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work), and SDG 16 (Peace).