WiFi4WB Initiative Launched in Albania Bringing Free Public Wi-Fi to 61 Municipalities

WiFi4WB Initiative Launched in Albania Bringing Free Public Wi-Fi to 61 Municipalities

The WiFi4WB initiative was officially launched today in Albania, marking the start of the nationwide deployment of free public Wi-Fi hotspots across 61 municipalities. The ceremony took place in the city of Kruja, at one of the first WiFi4WB installed in the country, located at Kruja Castel.

WiFi4WB initiative is part of the EU4Digital project, co-funded by the European Union and the German Government and implemented by GIZ, inspired by the EU's WiFi4EU programme, which has connected over 7,000 communities across Europe. Once fully implemented, citizens and visitors will be able to access free Wi-Fi in public spaces such as squares, parks, libraries, schools, and cultural sites, throughout Albania and across the region.

The EU Ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, highlighted the role of digital connectivity in strengthening public services and supporting Albania's European integration path. "WiFi4WB is a simple idea with a powerful impact: free internet across 61 municipalities of Albania, opening access to digital services, information, learning, and communication for everyone. This project is not only about connectivity. It is about empowering communities, supporting local development, and bringing the Western Balkans closer to the EU Digital Single Market," Ambassador Gonzato stated.

The German Ambassador to Albania, Karl Bergner, underscored the strong partnership between Germany and the European Union in advancing digital transformation in the region. "Digitalization is one of the major issues of our time. It enables exchange, information and inspiration. By providing "free internet for all" in central locations in all 61 municipal capitals, we are taking a major step forward towards equal access for all Albanian citizens," Ambassador Bergner stated.

Government representatives also addressed the audience, emphasizing the initiative's impact on governance, public services, and citizen inclusion.

"Wifi4WB will mean more information and guidance for tourists, with greater accessibility. Citizens, local businesses, and cultural centers will benefit from this initiative. The Museum in Kruja Castle is one of the most visited cultural sites in Albania, and just a year ago it was visited by around 200,000 tourists. Our main priority is to increase tourism throughout the entire year, and cultural sites carry the main weight of year-round tourism," stated the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Lira Pipa.

A key highlight of the event was the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between GIZ and the Municipality, formalizing cooperation on the installation, operation, and long-term maintenance of the WiFi4WB network. Sonja Kurz, Director of GIZ Albania, emphasized the regional importance of the initiative and its sustainable model.

"GIZ remains committed to working closely with our partners to deliver sustainable and inclusive digital solutions across the country. Through the WiFi4WB initiative, we are ensuring that every municipality can provide free and reliable internet in public spaces, helping reduce digital divide and making essential online services more accessible to all citizens," GIZ Albania Director Sonja Kurz said.

The telecom operator Vodafone was selected through a public tender conducted by GIZ to deploy and maintain the Wi-Fi infrastructure and provide free internet service at nominated public locations across Albania.

The Wifi4WB is part of the EU's Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, emphasizing digital transformation as a key driver for regional integration. The program seeks to bridge the digital divide, boost economic opportunities, and empower local communities by ensuring universal internet access. By ensuring free and reliable internet in public spaces, the initiative also promotes social inclusion and helps bridge the digital divide.