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Do financial innovations improve financial inclusion? Evidence from mobile money adoption in Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Désiré Avom

    (CEREG - University of Yaoundé II-SOA, Centre d'Etudes et de Recherche en Economie et Gestion)

  • Chrysost Bangake

    (LEM - Lille économie management - UMR 9221 - UA - Université d'Artois - UCL - Université catholique de Lille - Université de Lille - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

  • Hermann Ndoya

    (Université de Dschang)

Abstract

This paper investigates the impact of financial innovations (mobile money) on financial inclusion. Using both parametric and nonparametric methods on panel data from 50 African countries over the period 2004–2020, we find that mobile money adoption positively affects financial inclusion. Indeed, the results from propensity score matching show that mobile money adoption promotes financial inclusion in a range of 12–14 %. These results stem from the match between the services offered to individuals and their needs. Our results remain robust to a battery of robustness checks, including alternative measures of financial inclusion, alternative sample, heterogeneity analysis, as well as alternative estimation method. Overall, this study contributes to the construction of a hitherto underdeveloped literature on the macroeconomic impact of mobile money in the context of digitalization of the financial system.

Suggested Citation

  • Désiré Avom & Chrysost Bangake & Hermann Ndoya, 2023. "Do financial innovations improve financial inclusion? Evidence from mobile money adoption in Africa," Post-Print hal-04125452, HAL.
  • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-04125452
    DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2023.122451
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-04125452v1
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Bakouan, Pousseni & Sawadogo, Relwendé, 2024. "BioTrade and income inequality: Does frontier technology readiness matter?," Structural Change and Economic Dynamics, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 650-665.
    2. Wang, Jiaxin & Zhao, Mu & Huang, Xiang & Sun, Di & Song, Zilong, 2023. "Guidance or misguidance: Fintech policy and corporate innovation," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 58(PD).
    3. Dao Ha & Phuong Le & Duc Khuong Nguyen, 2025. "Financial inclusion and fintech: a state-of-the-art systematic literature review," Financial Innovation, Springer;Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, vol. 11(1), pages 1-42, December.
    4. Hoque, Md Mahfuzul & Kummer, Tyge-F. & Yigitbasioglu, Ogan, 2024. "How can blockchain-based lending platforms support microcredit activities in developing countries? An empirical validation of its opportunities and challenges," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 203(C).
    5. Broekhoff, Marie-Claire & van der Cruijsen, Carin & de Haan, Jakob, 2024. "Towards financial inclusion: Trust in banks’ payment services among groups at risk," Economic Analysis and Policy, Elsevier, vol. 82(C), pages 104-123.
    6. Mohammed Hersi Warsame & Yousif Abdelbagi Abdalla, 2024. "Impact of mobile financial services on financial inclusion: empirical insights from Kenya," International Review of Economics, Springer;Happiness Economics and Interpersonal Relations (HEIRS), vol. 71(3), pages 633-666, September.
    7. Affandi, Yoga & Ridhwan, Masagus M. & Trinugroho, Irwan & Hermawan Adiwibowo, Danny, 2024. "Digital adoption, business performance, and financial literacy in ultra-micro, micro, and small enterprises in Indonesia," Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, vol. 70(PB).
    8. Samuel Tawiah Baidoo & Agnes Gyamfuaa Okyere & Charles Mensah Asiedu & Jennifer Asare-Lah & Richmond Akankpaboka Atuga & Richmond Odjidja & Rita Acquah, 2025. "Promoting business start-ups and expansion among women in Ghana: the role of mobile money technology," SN Business & Economics, Springer, vol. 5(1), pages 1-24, January.

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