Exploring individuals' socioeconomic characteristics and digital infrastructure determinants of digital payment adoption in Ethiopia

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred a surge in digital payments, with over 40 % of adults in low- and middle-income countries making their first merchant payments using cards, phones, or the internet since the pandemic began. This study examines the determinants of adopting digital payments during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopia. To achieve this objective, the study utilized secondary data from the World Bank's most recent dataset, collected as part of the Global Findex Database 2021. A Covariance Based-Structural Equation Modeling (CB-SEM) was applied to analyze the data and explore the intricate pathways between variables. The mediation role of the use of technological tools on the relationship between socio-economic factors and digital payment adoption was also examined. Accordingly, mobile ownership, having an ATM/Debit card, and internet access were the technological tools significantly determining digital payment adoption. Age, education, income quantile, receiving wage payment, and engagement in formal financial transactions (as a proxy for financial inclusion) were among the socio-economic characteristics influencing digital payment adoption. Engagement in formal financial inclusion, mobile ownership, having an ATM/Debit card, and internet access were also influenced by individuals' socio-economic characteristics. Mobile ownership, having an ATM/Debit card, internet access, and engagement in formal financial transactions were significant mediating factors in the relationship between digital payment and socio-economic predictors.