Mobile money an antidote to petty corruption? A matched difference-in-differences analysis

According to a survey carried out by the Kajiado East Constituency development fund and contained in a document titled Kajiado East Constituency Development Fund (CDF) strategic plan 2018-2022, (2017) pointed that 75% of the MSMEs operating in the Kitengela town depend mostly on mobile money services in transaction of their business. The current study sought to bridge this gap by investigating the relationship between mobile money services and performance of MSMEs in Kenya, Kitengela, Kajiado County. The study objectives were to establish the relationship between mobile payments and performance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and to determine the influence of mobile transfer on performance of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Kenya, Kitengela, Kajiado County. The study was grounded by guided Diffusion of innovation theory. The study employed descriptive research design. The target population was 817 formally registered MSMEs in Kitengela Town dealing in trade, services and manufacturing. The study employed Fisher Model to come up with sample size of 261. The study relied on primary data which was collected using questionnaires. Quantitative data was presented in frequency tables and figures while quantitative data was presented in prose form. Multiple-regression was used to test the relationship between the independent variables and dependent variable. The study results shows that mobile money payment and mobile money transfer with R2=0.559 which means that around 60% of the performance of MSMEs in Kitengela town is influences by mobile money payment and mobile money transfer. Mobile money payment and mobile money transfer had a significant positive linear relationship of R=0.748 between mobile money payment and mobile money transfer on the performance of MSMEs in Kitengela, Kajiado County. The results also indicated that the overall influence of mobile money payment and mobile money transfer on performance of MSMEs in Kitengela, Kajiado County was significant (F =254.658, p < 0.05).The study established that disbursement and repayment of loans influence mobile money transfer performance. The study concluded that mobile commerce had a statistical significance relationship with the performance of MSMEs in Kenya. The study therefore recommended that mobile services provider should seek to promote their services to encourage as many business people as possible to make use of mobile money services.

Mobile money adoption and household welfare in Uganda

Electronic payments like mobile banking services have been associated with unprecedented access to financial services in economies, where a large section of the population was underfunded or underfunded due either due to lack of proximity to bank branches. However, the continuous development of electronic payment systems, especially mobile payment in sub-Saharan Africa has brought about a rise in volume of cashless transactions, thereby reducing the use of cash for payment. This therefore promotes financial integration among the segments of the population as it offers those without access to the formal banking system a safe and efficient payment alternative to cash. Also, electronic payment usage also has enormous benefits to governments as it will potentially help collect more tax revenue by providing a clear electronic trail and transparent transactions that can readily be taxed. Our study considers how mobile money services influence innovative economic growth. A linear regression analysis sub-Saharan African data for period 2011-2018 has been carried out. It has been revealed that mobile services and payments system have significant positive effect on economic growth, hence innovative development of the region. Based on these findings it is concluded that mobile payment services or systems are critical aspect of financial intermediation in sub-Saharan Africa as they offer them funds that can be drawn into the formal financial system from resources from both the population with bank accounts and the population without bank accounts, which can contribute to innovative economic growth in the region.

Often financially excluded by the traditional banking system, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in many developing countries have found in mobile money services (MMS) a sustainable alternative. Despite its potential in propelling inclusive growth, the use and adoption of mobile money (MM) by SMEs has generally been low in developing countries, and one of the reasons has been limited data that supported its impact on financial performance. As a result, there was a need to investigate the impact of the mobile money payment and receipt services on the financial performance of the SMEs in Cameroon. This paper implemented a mixed research paradigm with data collected through the administration of a survey questionnaire and from one-on-one in-depth interviews. A sample of 285 SMEs responded to the survey, while 12 owners/managing directors were purposively selected to participate in the personal interviews. Version 25 of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used to analyse the quantitative data, while the qualitative data was analysed along themes. The results were, after that, triangulated for credibility reasons. The concluding findings indicated that the mobile money payment and receipt services contributed of the order of 73% of the total variance in the turnover of the SMEs in Douala after they had begun to use the technology. By confirming the positive relationship between the use of mobile money services and the financial performance of businesses, it is hoped that all the relevant stakeholders will see this as a possible solution to the financial challenges that SMEs face in developing economies.

Mobile money has become a mode of banking for the unbanked residents and the system has been gaining patronage among citizens of developing countries. This trend especially refers to sub-Saharan Africa, where the level of financial inclusion is low. Thus, the expansion of the mobile money as well as easy access to it promotes the development of the financial sector in the region. To define the role of the financial elements in innovation growth in sub-Saharan African countries, we examined the relationship between mobile money activities, remittance, financial development, and innovation growth in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Using partial least squares (PLS), we conducted a comprehensive analysis to econometrically establish the nexus between innovation development and financial activities in sub-Saharan African region. The results show that significant positive relationship exists between all the independent variables and innovation growth (the dependent variable). Thus, this study indicates that mobile money services, financial development and remittances have significant impact on economic growth. However, mobile money services are the most influential variable. Hence, these results can be used by policymakers to encourage and improve mobile money payment and banking system as this could facilitate the pooling of resources and their effective allocation to productive sectors, thus leading to the promotion of innovative growth in the region.

The influence of the mobile money payment on the performance of small and medium enterprises in Somalia

Purpose Premised on the assertion that financial digitalization is currently the panacea and game changer in delivering progress towards the sustainable development goals (SDGs) through universal financial inclusion, especially in developing countries, the purpose of this paper is to establish the moderating effect of transaction tax exemptions in the relationship between mobile money adoption and usage and financial inclusion. Design/methodology/approach A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 379 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which use mobile money services drawn from the Northern District of Gulu in Uganda to provide responses for this study. The predictive relevancy and the effect size of the model were determined by running partial least square algorithm through structural equation model (SEM) with 5,000 bootstrap samples in SmartPLS-SEM 3.0. Findings The findings indicated that all the latent variables of transaction tax exemptions showed significant and positive impact on mobile money adoption and usage to advance financial inclusion in developing countries. Moreover, when combined together, the overall SEM predictive model revealed a significant moderating effect of transaction tax exemptions in the relationship between mobile money adoption and usage and financial inclusion. This implies that transaction tax exemptions on digital financial innovations such as the mobile money services can stimulate economic growth through increased level of financial inclusion labeled as the main enabler in achieving the SDGs by the year 2030. Research limitations/implications Whereas data were collected from users of mobile money services, the samples were drawn specifically from MSMEs’ owners located in the Northern District of Gulu in Uganda. Thus, users located in other districts were not included in the sample for this study. Similarly, this study limited itself to only financial services offered through the mobile money platform. It ignored other digital financial channels such as the internet and electronic banking. Practical implications Going forward, in order to improve the economic well-being of households at the “bottom of the pyramid,” governments in developing countries should embrace the significant role of transaction tax exemptions in promoting digital financial innovations such as the mobile money services for increased level of financial inclusion. The governments in developing countries where mobile money has greatly spurred financial inclusion should not only reduce the existing transaction taxes on mobile money services but scrap it off in order to champion progressive increase in the level of universal financial inclusion prescribed as a key enabler in eliminating global poverty, especially in developing countries. Originality/value This study hints on the moderating effect of transaction tax exemptions in the relationship between mobile money adoption and usage and financial inclusion. The paradox in the current trends on transaction taxes on mobile money services, especially in developing countries remain a dearth in the nascent global FINTECH ecosystem.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the factors which affect adoption and usage of mobile money services by artisan gold miners in Zimbabwe with reference to Umzingwane district. The study adopted a sequential explanatory research design with an objective of using a mixed research approach. Data was gathered using questionnaires from two hundred and seventy (270) artisan gold miners. The questionnaires consisted of both open ended and closed ended questions. The study revealed that artisan gold miners in Umzingwane district are literate. The study also found that artisan gold miners use and prefer cash to mobile money services. The study highlighted that the main challenge faced by artisan gold miners is that most shops in rural areas are not willing to accept mobile money payments and those which accept mobile money payments charge premium on top of the prices of goods. The study revealed that at 5% significance level, factors such as ease of use and perceived trust of mobile money services, unavailability of cash and handset costs were not statistically significant. Perceived cost of transacting, poor network, registration costs and social influence negatively affected adoption and usage of mobile money services by artisan gold miners. Security and education level of artisan gold miners positively affected adoption and usage of mobile money services. The study recommends that the government should reduce tax on mobile money payments and punish the businesses that are charging premiums on mobile money payments. Mobile money service providers should form partnership with rural shops so as to bring personal mobile money services close to the rural communities.

Mobile money adoption can contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Uganda but the factors affecting its sustainable adoption remain largely unknown. This paper explores the extent to which mobile money users’ trust and risk perceptions affect mobile money services adoption of in Uganda. A survey was conducted with 438 mobile money users from Uganda and data was analyzed using Partial Least Squares (PLS) Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). From the results, we obtained new empirical evidence for applying trust and risk perceptions for analyzing mobile money acceptance. We found that mobile money users rely on the structural soundness of mobile money services providers and their ability to provide mobile money services with low perceived risk. Performance expectancy, perceived risk and structural assurance significantly influenced behavioral intention to adopt mobile money. Trust belief did not significantly influence behavioral intention. These results help us to understand and promote mobile banking services in underdeveloped countries, which is of practical and scientific interests. We finally provide practical implications for mobile money services providers, commercial banks and central banks in Africa.

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the impact of fintech, mobile money and digital financial services in Uganda and factors impacting adoption of the services. The study will also determine their social impact through financial inclusion in the Ugandan market. Design/methodology/approach This study covers the adoption and use of fintech, mobile money and digital financial services in Uganda. A case study approach was used through a survey questionnaire for 400 randomly selected participants within the Kampala region. Questionnaire was designed to measure customer perception of digital financial services and adoption including mobile money and agency banking. Findings The adoption of mobile money services is driven by mobile devices penetration and the need for access to financial products and services for the unbanked. Results support CGAP (2013) that observed that mobile money adoption was based on two key variables: social network and social interactions of the customer and a segment of customers who can be described as mobile technology leaders (early adopters). There has been positive impact on person to person transfers, grocery payments and mobile money providers have to continue to simplify the access to financial services and bring convenience to the bottom of the pyramid. And mobile money positively impacts sustainable developmental goals covering Gender Equality (SDG5), SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth; expanding financial inclusion through mobile money and SDG 10 – Reduce Inequalities. Research limitations/implications This study has limitations commonly prevalent with qualitative research, including the small size limited to Kampala and challenges of making generalisations beyond this context. Practical implications The paper might serve as a valuable source of information for government and fintech companies in developing the digital financial services ecosystem as well as for students and academics for further case studies in this area. Originality/value This paper serves as one of the first qualitative research papers concerning mobile money and digital financial services adoption, solely focused on Uganda. Its value is in its showcasing of the importance of mobile money among customers in emerging markets.

When Telcos Become Banks: Sociotechnical Control in Mobile Money

PurposeThe extensive use of mobile money (MM) has been widely recognized as a digital engine of socioeconomic development in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This paper aims to focus on the effects of MM use and stockouts on informal microenterprise performance and investigate whether MM use mitigates the relationship between stockouts and firm performance.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilizes firm-level data from the latest World Bank Informal Sector Enterprise Surveys across six SSA countries. We employ instrumental variable-adjusted and propensity score-weighted regressions to investigate the buffering effect of MM use.FindingsWe find a significantly positive effect of MM use and a significantly negative impact of stockouts on informal microenterprise performance. Importantly, we establish that MM use attenuates the negative impact of stockouts on firm performance. We further document that the attenuating effect of MM use is more profound for firms using MM for transactions with supply chain partners, located in communities with high MM use rates, and operating in the retail industry.Practical implicationsOur research generates important managerial and policy implications. Future policies should capitalize on MM to foster an effective financial ecosystem in which informal microenterprises can survive and grow, thereby deepening their contributions to sustainable development.Originality/valueWhereas the business benefits of MM among small, medium and large firms are well-documented, the role of MM use on informal microenterprise performance is less understood. This study fills the research gap in the literature by focusing on the influence of MM use on the relationships between informal microenterprise operations and performance.

Purpose: The main objective was to determine the effect of Key mobile money services on financial inclusion in Kenya.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The study adopted a census research design. The target population was limited to the 4 firms (Safaricom, Airtel, Equity and Telkom) providing mobile money services in Kenya. The study relied on secondary data. The study review period was between 2013 and 2018. Descriptive statistical approaches, regression and correlation analysis was used to analyze secondary data. Data was analyzed quantitatively by use of SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Scientist) V21 program.&#x0D; Results: The study established that the Mobile money deposit services, Mobile money saving services, Agency banking services and Mobile bill payment services positively and significantly affected Kenya’s financial inclusion.&#x0D; Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that the providers of mobile money services should increase accessibility of these services to citizens since their continued usage leads to positive and significant growth of Kenya’s financial inclusion. The providers can achieve this by encouraging many citizens to be their agents in offering the services. Availability of many agents acting on behalf of the mother company in various parts of the country increases the levels of access of the financial services.&#x0D; Key words: Deposit Services, Saving Services, Agency Banking Services, Mobile Money Financial Inclusion

Mobile money services have rapidly expanded across emerging and developing economies and enabled new ways through which households and firms can conduct payments, save and send remittances. We explore how mobile money use can impact economic outcomes in India using granular data on transactions from Paytm, one of the largest mobile money service provider in India with over 400 million users. We exploit the period around the demonetization policy, which prompted a surge in mobile money adoption, and analyze how mobile money affects traditional risk-sharing arrangements. Our main finding is that mobile money use increases the resilience to shocks by dampening the impact of rainfall shocks on nightlights-based economic activity and household consumption. We complement these findings by conducting a firm survey around a phased targeting intervention which incentivized firms to adopt the mobile payment technology. Our results suggest that firms adopting mobile payments improved their sales after six-months of use, compared to other firms. We also elicit firms' subjective expectations on future sales and find mobile payment adoption to be associated with lower subjective uncertainty and greater sales optimism.

Mobile money services have rapidly expanded across emerging and developing economies and enabled new ways through which households and firms can conduct payments, save and send remittances. We explore how mobile money use can impact economic outcomes in India using granular data on transactions from Paytm, one of the largest mobile money service provider in India with over 400 million users. We exploit the period around the demonetization policy, which prompted a surge in mobile money adoption, and analyze how mobile money affects traditional risk-sharing arrangements. Our main finding is that mobile money use increases the resilience to shocks by dampening the impact of rainfall shocks on nightlights-based economic activity and household consumption. We complement these findings by conducting a firm survey around a phased targeting intervention which incentivized firms to adopt the mobile payment technology. Our results suggest that firms adopting mobile payments improved their sales after six-months of use, compared to other firms. We also elicit firms’ subjective expectations on future sales and find mobile payment adoption to be associated with lower subjective uncertainty and greater sales optimism.