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Financial Inclusion and Bank Competition in Sub-Saharan Africa

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  • Azanaw Mengistu
  • Hector Perez-Saiz

Abstract

In this paper we study how competition and financial soundness affect financial inclusion in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We use detailed individual-level survey data, combined with key country-level indicators of bank competition and financial soundness, to study the effect on the adoption of several financial products (bank accounts, credit and debit cards, and bank loans). We find that more competition tends to increase the probability of access to these financial products. On the contrary, we do not find strong evidence of the effect of bank-balance sheet variables (i.e. capital adequacy or liquidity) on borrowing by individuals. Our results may help policy makers design regulations that could improve financial inclusion, which could potentially impact economic growth and long-term economic development.

Suggested Citation

  • Azanaw Mengistu & Hector Perez-Saiz, 2018. "Financial Inclusion and Bank Competition in Sub-Saharan Africa," IMF Working Papers 2018/256, International Monetary Fund.
    • Handle: RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2018/256
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    2. Helena Susana Amaral Geraldes & Ana Paula Matias Gama & Mário Augusto, 2022. "Reaching Financial Inclusion: Necessary and Sufficient Conditions," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 162(2), pages 599-617, July.
    3. Coulibaly, Aïssata & Yogo, Urbain Thierry, 2020. "The path to shared prosperity: Leveraging financial services outreach to create decent jobs in developing countries," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 87(C), pages 131-147.
    4. Reda Cherif & Sandesh Dhungana & Xiangming Fang & Mr. Jesus R Gonzalez-Garcia & Yuanchen Yang & Mustafa Yenice & Jung Eun Yoon, 2020. "Competition, Competitiveness and Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa," IMF Working Papers 2020/030, International Monetary Fund.
    5. Tough Chinoda & Joseph Olorunfemi Akande, 2019. "Financial Inclusion, Mobile Phone Diffusion, and Economic Growth; Evidence from Africa," International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, Econjournals, vol. 9(5), pages 104-110.
    6. Tendai Gwatidzo & Witness Simbanegavi, 2024. "Financial inclusion and banking sector competition in South Africa," Working Papers 11061, South African Reserve Bank.
    7. João Jungo & Mara Madaleno & Anabela Botelho, 2022. "The Effect of Financial Inclusion and Competitiveness on Financial Stability: Why Financial Regulation Matters in Developing Countries?," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-20, March.

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