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Financial inclusion, growth and poverty: Evidence from Africa in COVID-19 era

Author

Listed:
  • Christian Lambert NGUENA

    (University of Dschang & Dynamic Young Economists (DYE), Cameroon)

  • Prince PIVA ASALOKO

    (University of Yaounde 2, Faculty of Economics and Management & Dynamic Young Economists (DYE), Cameroon)

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic threatens to undermine committed efforts to reduce poverty in Africa. Using panel data on 39 African countries covering the period 2004-2021, our analysis shows that financial inclusion, particularly access to financial services, can be an important driver of poverty reduction in African countries. in the era of Covid-19. Moreover, we have identified the reduction of inequalities as the main channel through which financial inclusion can contribute to alleviating poverty. These results are robust and consistent using different estimation methods and poverty change index. Faced with the risks of increasing extreme poverty due to Covid-19, a policy aimed at improving financial inclusion seems necessary.

Suggested Citation

  • Christian Lambert NGUENA & Prince PIVA ASALOKO, 2023. "Financial inclusion, growth and poverty: Evidence from Africa in COVID-19 era," Region et Developpement, Region et Developpement, LEAD, Universite du Sud - Toulon Var, vol. 57, pages 81-100.
    • Handle: RePEc:tou:journl:v:57:y:2023:p:81-100
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Financial inclusion; Poverty ; Inequality ; COVID-19;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being
    • I32 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - Measurement and Analysis of Poverty
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • O55 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Africa

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