January 28, 2026 | Wednesday
Zana Tabaku is one of the most inspiring voices in the field of technology in Kosovo. With a journey that began in the post-conflict period in Kosovo, from her first contacts with computers to leading an innovative company and commitment to the development of artificial intelligence, Zana has been one of the women pioneers in the field of ICT. In this interview, she shares her early experiences, challenges, successes and vision for the future.
This interview is part of the Europe House Kosovo publication “From Vision to Innovation: Women’s Inspiring Paths in Tech.”
Europe House Kosovo: When did you first see a computer and what impact did it have on you?
Zana Tabaku: I saw a computer for the first time after the war in Kosovo, when I was 13 years old. At the time, computers were rare and very expensive – a luxury that only few families could afford. When I saw a screen that responded to my commands, it felt like magic.
For a teenage girl just getting to know the post-war world, it was a transformative experience. I remember it clearly: from a reality of books, letters and tapes, I suddenly found myself in a world that spoke in code language. That’s where my connection with technology began – a connection that continues to this day.
Europe House Kosovo: When and how did you start exploring the world of information technology?
Zana Tabaku: My curiosity began after that first experience. Even though I studied English Language and Literature at the University of Pristina, my passion for technology was too strong to ignore. I decided to pursue a new direction and enrolled in a programming academy – a decision that changed my life.
I was the only girl in the group and one of the few in Kosovo who followed this path at the time. I learned to code, built apps and created functional solutions – I felt like I was building a new world with my own hands.
Today, when I work with artificial intelligence, I see it as a logical continuation of that beginning: from simple instruction to a computer that learns on its own. This evolution fascinates me every day.
Europe House Kosovo: What were your first experiences in the field of technology like?
Zana Tabaku: They have been challenging, but also extremely inspiring. At that time, we lacked local resources, mentors and role models. We had to learn everything on our own – whole nights of researching, experimenting, making mistakes and learning from them.
At the age of 23, I co-founded the Appdec Company, becoming one of the first women to establish an ICT company in Kosovo. It was a bold step, requiring endeavour and faith, but also an act of self-confidence that women can be leaders in this field.
When I look back on my journey today – from floppy disks and dial-up to artificial intelligence – it seems like a new era that has found me as a part of it.
Europe House Kosovo: What is your greatest contribution to this field, through Appdec and beyond?
Zana Tabaku: For more than 16 years at Appdec, we have developed digital solutions that address real needs of society: from employment, domestic violence and migration to improving education and healthcare. But beyond the projects, the most profound contribution to me is the people.
For instance, the Junior Geeks program, which we started with colleagues, has trained over 500 high school students in areas like ICT, critical thinking and innovation. Over 80% of them have continued their studies in similar fields and many of them now work in local and international companies or have founded their own start-ups.
Also, many former Appdec colleagues have now become successful professionals, running technology companies, being mentors or contributing to building a stronger ecosystem. This is the legacy that inspires me the most.
Europe House Kosovo: Do you have any personal experiences that have stuck with you as a woman in a male-dominated field?
Zana Tabaku: When I started, I had to double-prove every professional step. Every class, project or meeting was dominated by men. But I didn’t take this as an obstacle, but as motivation.
Over the years, I became a mentor to start-ups and young professionals, sharing technical knowledge and the belief that yes – women have their place in technology.
I have watched with pride how many girls and boys that I have mentored have become developers, project managers and system engineers in successful companies. This is the chain of influence that energizes me every day.
Europe House Kosovo: What are your plans for the future?
Zana Tabaku: I want to keep up building an inclusive digital ecosystem, where technology is not only a tool for economic growth, but also for social justice and equality.
I will focus on innovation through artificial intelligence, a field that I am deeply passionate about. I see AI as the most advanced way to understand the world, to make a job easier and to build services that “think with us rather than for us.”
At the same time, I want to keep on mentoring and inspiring the younger generation, girls in particular, to pursue this field with courage. Because only when we all participate equally in building the digital future does technology become truly transformative.