Samir Mane was born and educated in Albania before moving to Austria. There, he founded BALFIN Group in 1993. Believing in the potential of his homeland, he took a bold step in 2005 by opening QTU, the first shopping mall in Albania, which changed the way citizens shop and even their lifestyle in general. Convinced of the innovations needed in the Albanian economy, he returned to Albania and began investing.
Over three decades, the BALFIN Group has expanded into wholesale and retail trade, real estate, banking, education, renewable energy, logistics, hospitality, and entertainment. Samir Mane has built one of the most important and successful organizations, with operations in 11 countries and across two continents.
Samir Mane has established the Mane Foundation, which contributes to education and youth, health and well-being, poverty and inequality alleviation, culture, and the environment. The Foundation represents his legacy for a better society, and for improving the living conditions of as many people as possible.