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The Italian organization NAMEX has facilitated the creation of key infrastructure in Albania for a neutral and more resilient internet, gaining ground in its international ambitions. However, significant disparities in digital skills and access to services persist across the territory
Albania’s digital transformation is quietly accelerating thanks to a cross-border initiative led by an Italian non-profit organization, introducing fundamental changes to the country’s internet structure and sparking new conversations about inclusion, sovereignty, and digital opportunities.
At the heart of this evolution is ANIX, Albania’s independent Internet Exchange Point (IXP), launched in 2018 with support from the Rome-based hub NAMEX (Nautilus Mediterranean eXchange Point). According to Internet Society , by the end of the year, ANIX is expected to undergo a significant upgrade that will enhance the nation’s data infrastructure, reduce internet-related costs, and elevate Albania’s role in the regional digital landscape.
An Internet Exchange Point is a component of the physical telecommunications infrastructure, consisting of fiber optics and data centers, that enables the functioning of the internet. “It’s like an airport where internet service providers (ISPs) and content delivery networks connect with each other, allowing users to access what they’re looking for online directly from their devices, wherever they are,” explains Maurizio Goretti, CEO of NAMEX.
While these technical benefits are clear, NAMEX’s involvement appears to go beyond mere altruistic support. This “gesture” also aligns with broader, distinctly Italian strategic interests, primarily aimed at expanding its presence in the Mediterranean digital corridor. Whether it succeeds or not, in the meantime, around 14% of the Albanian population remains offline, particularly in rural areas and among the elderly. According to the International Communication Union , the country’s digital transition remains uneven and marked by disparities.
Building a localized data infrastructure ecosystem
Before ANIX was established, Albania lacked a national hub for direct data traffic exchange. As a result, even local online activity often followed inefficient international routes, increasing latency—the time between sending a request and receiving the information, crucial for smooth browsing—and costs .
Located in the capital, ANIX has finally given Albania a local exchange platform where internet service providers can connect and share traffic directly. Currently, ANIX facilitates connections for 25 different networks, including major global platforms and key carriers. The result is a noticeable improvement in digital services, from faster streaming and reliable cloud access to more consistent performance during peak hours. Overall, the initiative represents a genuine step toward a more resilient and independent internet architecture .
Tirana’s emerging role in the digital space has been gradually bolstered by new infrastructure investments, including data centers and cross-border technological collaborations. With the development of underwater connections like the Trans Adriatic Express and Islalink cables linking Albania to Italy and Greece, the country is (or soon will be) no longer just a “peripheral” internet consumer.
The ambition, as revealed by Balkan Investigative Reporting Network, is to transform and establish itself firmly as a regional data transit hub, a reference point for the entire Balkan area.
Bridging the digital divide
Despite significant progress in urban connectivity, this very progress has left rural and disadvantaged areas increasingly behind—and isolated. While the national “Digital Agenda 2022-2026” outlines ambitious goals, according to Ministery of Infrastructure and Energy of the Republic of Albania , outdated mobile networks and limited infrastructure mean that less than 10% of rural residents still have reliable internet access.
Digital literacy thus remains a critical and pressing challenge, though rooted in historical issues. According to recent estimates, only a small fraction of Albanians, about 4% , possess advanced digital skills, placing the country below other Balkan nations.
The digitization of government services through the e-Albania, platform has streamlined bureaucracy, with over 90% of services now available online. However, this shift has also raised concerns, particularly regarding accessibility for those without internet access or adequate technical skills. Vulnerable groups, especially the elderly, people with disabilities, and isolated households, often continue to rely on family members or intermediaries to access even basic services.
A spokesperson from the Albanian Cybernetics Association warned that without equitable investments in infrastructure and training, digital transformation risks deepening social inequalities rather than reducing them.
A growing strategic footprint
NAMEX publicly frames its role in Albania as part of a broader effort to support digital expansion in Southern and Eastern Europe. It cites contributions such as donations of technical equipment, engineering training through partnerships with the Albanian academic network RASH, and the organization of annual forums like the Albanian Network Operators Forum (ALNOF ) to foster knowledge exchange.
However, analysts note that while these initiatives are impactful and appreciated, they also serve Italy’s ambition to establish itself as a dominant player in regional data traffic management.
By enabling greater national data routing in Albania and Kosovo, NAMEX strengthens Italian hubs like those in Bari, Milan, and Rome, making them more convenient and cost-effective transit points and reducing reliance on competing hubs in cities like Athens or Budapest. This aligns with Italy’s goal of becoming a key digital gateway for the Balkans and the wider Mediterranean.
As ANIX grows, NAMEX benefits as well: the more Southeast European networks connect to this platform, the greater NAMEX’s regional influence becomes. While many acknowledge the organization’s role in catalyzing Albania’s digital progress, awareness is growing of the geopolitical motivations driving such infrastructure partnerships.
The Path ahead
Although ANIX is significantly contributing to Albania’s digital development, the initiative remains dependent on a single external partner: NAMEX. This reality raises questions about the country’s long-term resilience. Changes in international policies or the emergence of competitors could introduce vulnerabilities if national capacities remain underdeveloped. This is neither a remote nor theoretical concern, nor a temporary one.
The country remains fragile and continues to grapple with structural challenges like limited public sector funding and slowly evolving IT regulations. High-profile incidents like the 2022 cyberattack , allegedly orchestrated by actors affiliated with a foreign state, only underscore the urgent need to build robust, self-sufficient digital defenses.
Local advocacy organizations, including Open Labs Albania and the Albanian Institute of Science (AIS ), continue to push for transparent digital governance, better access in rural areas, and programs to foster local innovation.
A defining moment
As Albania’s internet infrastructure continues to evolve, the country approaches a critical crossroads. Its growing connectivity could transform it into a vital digital bridge for the Western Balkans, or it risks leaving unconnected communities behind.
Establishing an exchange point is just a foundation, and more than anything, it’s now essential for Albania to build upon it. The future of its digital ecosystem will depend not only on its technological groundwork but also on the inclusivity and accessibility of what comes next.
This publication has been produced within the Collaborative and Investigative Journalism Initiative (CIJI ), a project co-funded by the European Commission. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of Osservatorio Balcani Caucaso Transeuropa and do not reflect the views of the European Union. Go to the project page
