Prof. Assoc. Dr. Saranda Tafa was born on November 11, 1990, in Lipjan, Republic of Kosovo. She completed her primary education at “Hivzi Sylejmani” Primary School in the village of Poturovc–Lipjan, and her secondary education at the “Ulpiana” Gymnasium in Lipjan.
She completed her Bachelor’s studies with distinction at AAB–Riinvest College in Pristina, majoring in Banking, Finance, and Accounting (2009–2012).
During this period, she was employed at IPKO Telecommunications as a Sales Agent (www.ipko.com).
She began her Master’s studies in 2012 at AAB College, Faculty of Economics, in the field of Marketing and Business Administration, and graduated in 2014.
Prof. Assoc. Dr. Saranda Tafa is a well-rounded professional with experience and connections across academia, public institutions, and private enterprises. She is passionate about economic development and entrepreneurial innovation, with a main goal of making a meaningful contribution—whether through knowledge, experience, or her personal example of hard work and integrity.
She is married, has two children, and lives in Pristina.
During this period, she started working as a Finance Officer, and within a year was promoted to Finance Director, a position she held until 2023.
After completing her Master’s degree in 2014, she began PhD studies at the South East European University, in the Faculty of Business and Economics. In the same year, she also became a member of the AAB Institute for Certified Accountants and Auditors (www.institutiaab.org).
She worked on quality improvement projects in higher education for four years. In 2021, she defended her PhD dissertation at the South East European University, titled:
“The Informal Economy in Kosovo and Its Impact on the Labor Market: A Comparative Analytical Approach”, earning the academic title of Doctor of Economic Sciences, with a focus in Management.
Prof. Tafa has an active academic career. Since the 2011/2012 academic year, she has been a full-time faculty member at AAB College, where she lectures on subjects in the field of management and economics such as Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Public Finance, Monetary Economics, and more.
Her academic formation is built on strong theoretical and practical foundations, equipping her with in-depth skills in economic analysis, development policy, and the creation of sustainable business models.
Currently, Prof. Saranda Tafa is also the founder and executive director of a construction company in Montenegro called “Adriatic Projekt”, which is the result of a long-term vision to build a sustainable business.
Her contributions to science include numerous publications in indexed journals, including Scopus and Google Scholar. Some of her most notable works include:
International Scientific Conference – Knowledge, Budva, Montenegro, May 25–28, 2017
• “TQM in the Tourism”
• “Services in Tourism as a Sustainable Condition for Quality”
“The Impact of Public Debt on Economic Growth in the Republic of Kosovo”
• Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development (2020)
2nd International Conference: “The Economic Sustainability of Balkan Countries and the Euro-Integration Challenges”, AAB University, Pristina, Kosovo, May 26, 2018
• Paper: “Role of Specialization and Coordination in Kosovo’s Manufacturing Enterprises”
Delegate, Future We Want – Model United Nations Conference, March 8–11, 2018
“Impact of Informal Economy Indicators on the Unemployment Rate and Economic Growth in the Republic of Kosovo and the Western Balkans”
“The Impact of Macroeconomic Factors on Non-performing Loans in the Western Balkans” (2021)
“Women’s Role in Effective Business Management: A Comparative Analysis”, June 7, 2023
Prof. Assoc. Dr. Saranda Tafa is a dedicated professional who bridges the gap between academia, public institutions, and the private sector. She is passionate about economic development and entrepreneurial innovation, with a commitment to making genuine contributions—whether through knowledge, experience, or her personal example of dedication and integrity.
She is married, has two children, and resides in Pristina.
