Determinants of Mobile Money Adoption and Use in Burundi

This study examines the factors determining mobile money adoption and use in Burundi. Heckman selection model is applied on a recent household dataset (Integrated household living conditions survey in Burundi, EICV 2019-2020). The estimation results point to different socio-economic factors that drive the adoption and use of mobile money in Burundi. Age category, education level, being a member of savings and loans associations, and household size are the factors determining the likelihood of mobile money adoption in Burundi, while the probability of mobile money use in Burundi seems to be influenced only by education level, place of residence, and the well-being level. Considering this studys findings, the Government of Burundi should implement policies to reduce the gender gap and duality urban-rural. Efforts should also be put on education investment to reduce illiteracy. The Government of Burundi should also continue implementing policies to raise the well-being of the population and social self-sustained groups, and initiatives to increase incomes of the population especially in rural areas should be encouraged. In addition, concerted effort from different stakeholders, mobile network operators and regulators, is also needed. Making payment systems flexible by increasing mobile agents in remote areas would also most likely lead to increased mobile money adoption. We hope that the findings from this study will inform public authorities to take necessary measures to increase mobile money adoption and use in Burundi.