Title: Investigation of constituent determinants of financial inclusion: evidence from Mauritania

Authors: Mohamed Khalifa Sidi; Salina Kassim

Addresses: Institute of Islamic Banking and Finance (IIBF), International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM), Jln Gombak, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia ' Institute of Islamic Banking and Finance (IIBF), International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM), Jln Gombak, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Abstract: It has been globally acknowledged that financial inclusion is one of the most important methods to achieve sustainable development and reduce the incidence of poverty in society. Unfortunately, more than 50% of the adults in the low-income countries are still financially excluded. This paper empirically examines the potential determinants of accessibility to financial services among the Mauritanians. In methodology, a total of 583 self-administered questionnaires were collected based on random sampling method from the three largest cities in Mauritania, namely, Nouakchott, Nouadibou, and Kiffa. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the critical factors influencing financial inclusion in Mauritania. The results highlight specific determinants affecting financial inclusion among the households in Mauritania (such as location, religious activities, financial cost, and financial literacy). The study recommends that these factors must be given due consideration in the efforts of increasing financial inclusion among the Mauritanians.

Keywords: financial inclusion; religious factor; account ownership; Sub-Saharan Africa; Mauritania; logistic regression.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEPEE.2023.132538

International Journal of Economic Policy in Emerging Economies, 2023 Vol.17 No.4, pp.524 - 538

Accepted: 05 Jan 2023
Published online: 27 Jul 2023 *

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