LESKAJ Besnik
Owner, Blessed Investment & Abkons, Albania
Besnik Leskaj is an active Chairman and entrepreneurial investor, specializing in the development of venture projects across renewable energy, infrastructure, ICT, finance, and tourism sectors. He is the founder of Blessed Investment Group, alongside a series of successful companies established internationally, expanding his influence and business acumen across multiple industries.
In 2005 Besnik co-founded Abkons, one of the most successful multi-disciplinary consultancies in the Western Balkans with its headquarters in Tirana, Albania. As Chief Executive Officer, he oversaw strategic planning, public finance management, project management, and capacity building. He led the delivery of a crucial contract for the strategic Trans Adriatic Pipeline.
Over the years, Besnik has founded numerous companies providing services to esteemed clients such as UNOPS, UNDP, Royal Haskoning, SHELL, Voltalia, and Devolli Hydropower. He has successfully maintained rigorous, ongoing relationships with clients and major financial institutions, including EBRD, EIB, the World Bank, KFW, Deloitte, and Intesa Sanpaolo Bank, ensuring compliance and due diligence at every level.
Of particular significance, Besnik has been a principal investor in the multimillion-euro photovoltaic project, "Project Blue," which was financed by Finance in Motion from the Green for Growth Fund (GGF). This landmark project, located in Albania, marked a major achievement as it became the first European "Merchant" renewable energy project to be financed in a non-EU country. In recognition of this milestone, the project was awarded the prestigious IJGlobal Market Pioneer Award in London in April 2024, solidifying its impact on the renewable energy landscape.
Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Besnik shares his expertise with both public and private entities as well as benevolent organizations. He actively mentors young entrepreneurs in the region, serves as an advisor for national and international businesses, and supports sustainable development initiatives. Besnik also frequently speaks at regional conferences, contributing to dialogues on investment, energy, and sustainable business development