The third regional conference, MicroBalkans 2026, opened in Skopje under the slogan Lending Reimagined, dedicated to the future of lending, microfinance, and emerging financing models (24/09/2026).

The main organizers of the conference are the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia and the Group of Non-Banking Financial Companies, in partnership with the Macedonian consortium of the Enterprise Europe Network (EENOMA) and the European Digital Innovation Hub – DigitMak. The event is part of ongoing activities promoting Access to Finance and Digitalization for SMEs, aimed at raising awareness about existing market financing opportunities.

The conference brought together over 200 representatives from the financial sector, investors, fintech companies, regulatory authorities, and the business community from the Western Balkans and across Europe.

The event was opened by Nikola Joshevski, President of the Group of Non-Banking Financial Companies at the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, who noted that the central question is no longer whether lending is evolving, but how that evolution will be shaped to benefit clients and the wider economy:

"The future of lending is not just about lending more, but lending better—leveraging technology, responsibility, and greater trust among clients," said Joshevski.

Branko Azeski, President of the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia, also addressed the audience, stressing that access to finance is fundamentally a matter of competitiveness and that companies must be provided with solutions that foster growth, investment, and a broader regional footprint:

"Business needs solutions, not barriers. We require a broader financial ecosystem that offers companies more choice, greater flexibility, and expanded opportunities," Azeski emphasized.

During his address at the opening ceremony, Stefan Andonovski, Minister of Digital Transformation of the Republic of North Macedonia, pointed out that: "Digital transformation and financial innovation must advance hand in hand. Only through robust digital infrastructure, transparent rules, and trust can we deliver faster, more accessible, and more efficient financial services for citizens, companies, and the economy."

Prof. Dr. Trajko Slaveski, Governor of the National Bank of the Republic of North Macedonia, stated in his address that our shared responsibility is to build a financial system receptive to innovation, yet stable, accountable, and dedicated to consumer protection. Only in this way can lending serve as a true catalyst for economic growth, confidence, and broader access to finance for all.

Key Takeaways from the Day One Panel Discussions:

• Financing must reach those who need it most.
• Technology should make lending faster, simpler, and more secure.
• Improved access to capital unlocks new growth avenues for SMEs.
• The future lies in responsible and sustainable lending that creates tangible value for citizens and the broader economy.

The discussions on day one demonstrated that the question is no longer if lending will change, but how to ensure this transformation delivers greater value to individuals, businesses, and the economy, and how to establish a financial system that is faster and more inclusive while remaining responsible, secure, and sustainable.

MicroBalkans 2026 continues on 25 September with panel sessions focused on regulatory frameworks, digital transformation, responsible debt collection management, and avenues for financial sector development across the region.

Backed by the Economic Chamber of North Macedonia and the Group of Non-Banking Financial Companies within the Chamber—via the EU projects EENOMA and DigitMak—the MicroBalkans 2026 conference solidifies its role as a pivotal platform for regional cooperation and innovation in the financial and digital spheres, unlocking new prospects for growth and competitiveness for Macedonian and European enterprises alike.