Gjirafa, the most innovative company in technology and e-commerce in the region, has officially announced a $5 million investment from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) as part of its upcoming Series C investment round. This investment represents a significant step towards advancing the internet economy in the Western Balkans and lays the foundation for Gjirafa’s regional expansion.
Partnership Launched at a High-Level Event
The launch ceremony for this partnership took place at Gjirafa’s premises, with the participation of notable figures, including: Erin Elizabeth McKee, Assistant Administrator at USAID’s Bureau for Europe and Eurasia; Jeffrey M. Hovenier, U.S. Ambassador to Kosovo; Larry Sack, Director of Development at DFC (via video message); James M. Hope, Deputy Assistant Administrator at USAID; Eileen Devitt, USAID Mission Director in Kosovo; Mergim Cahani, Founder and CEO of Gjirafa; as well as representatives from various businesses and media outlets.
In her speech, Ambassador McKee described the investment as an extraordinary opportunity to further integrate Kosovo into the global economy by creating new cooperation bridges with neighboring countries that promote regional stability. She emphasized that this support will help small businesses grow. “With Gjirafa’s expansion into the Balkans, these businesses will not be alone. They will have the opportunity to be part of a platform that already has a loyal customer base, enabling them to expand from local sales to regional and international markets,” stated Ambassador McKee.
Ambassador Hovenier highlighted the importance of this partnership, noting that “this investment is critical for Kosovo and the growth of entrepreneurs, who will have a platform to sell their products both within Kosovo and beyond, with the support of Gjirafa’s regional expansion.” Praising the work and vision of Gjirafa, Ambassador Hovenier also thanked Mr. Cahani and the Gjirafa team for their long-term partnership and the efforts made over the last decade to build this successful company.
DFC and Gjirafa: The First Partnership of Its Kind in Kosovo
Larry Sacks, Director of Development at DFC, described this partnership as historic, marking the first of its kind in Kosovo. He emphasized that the project would play a crucial role in expanding Gjirafa’s services in the region, stating, “The financial support from DFC will enable Gjirafa to expand its e-commerce and media services across the entire Balkans.”
Sacks further noted that this strategic collaboration serves as a cornerstone for strengthening the already strong ties between the United States and the people of Kosovo.
A Key Step Toward Series C Funding
Gjirafa’s Founder and CEO, Mergim Cahani, in his speech, reflected on the journey and challenges that led to this important moment, highlighting the company’s mission to build the internet economy in Southeast Europe. During his address, Cahani stated, “The $5 million investment from DFC is part of our goal for the upcoming Series C investment round, enabling us to grow like never before.”
Reflecting on the significance of this investment, Cahani also shared concrete expectations for the long-term impact of the partnership. “With this investment, we aim to onboard thousands of businesses in the region, digitize them, and open new markets for growth, create hundreds of new jobs, and facilitate cross-border transactions,” said Cahani.
In closing, Cahani expressed gratitude to the partners, emphasizing that together they are not only building a company but shaping the future of the region. He highlighted the joint efforts to harness the potential of e-commerce, with the goal of driving economic growth and improving the quality of life in Kosovo and for millions of people across Southeast Europe.
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