Does ICT Diffusion Improve Financial Inclusion in Africa?

Abstract

This article examines the effects of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) diffusion on financial inclusion from a sample of 52 African countries. We specify and estimate a panel data model by Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) over the period 2006-2019, based on the different approaches of financial inclusion. Our results show that, ICT diffusion increases financial inclusion as well as penetration, accessibility and use of financial services in Africa. We suggest policies to promote ICT infrastructure to stimulate financial inclusion by promoting digital finance.