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From Access to Impact: Rethinking Financial Inclusion for SMEs in the Democratic Republic of Congo
[De l’accès à l’impact : réinventer l’inclusion financière des PME en République démocratique du Congo]

Author

Listed:
  • Randy Kambana

    (Université catholique du Congo)

Abstract

This paper investigates the effectiveness of financial inclusion strategies targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Using panel data from four major commercial banks (Rawbank, Equity BCDC, First Bank DRC, and TMB) between 2018 and 2023, the study combines econometric modeling and policy analysis to evaluate whether increased access to credit translates into structural empowerment for SMEs. Results show that while access has expanded, deep barriers persistparticularly high collateral requirements and weak regulatory enforcement. The paper finds that strong regulatory compliance and product innovation significantly improve SME credit outcomes. It concludes with concrete policy recommendations to foster transformative financial inclusion in fragile economies.

Suggested Citation

  • Randy Kambana, 2025. "From Access to Impact: Rethinking Financial Inclusion for SMEs in the Democratic Republic of Congo [De l’accès à l’impact : réinventer l’inclusion financière des PME en République démocratique du C," Working Papers hal-05188515, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:wpaper:hal-05188515
    DOI: 10.2139/ssrn.5341865
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-05188515v1
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    JEL classification:

    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • O55 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Africa
    • O16 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Financial Markets; Saving and Capital Investment; Corporate Finance and Governance
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • O16 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Financial Markets; Saving and Capital Investment; Corporate Finance and Governance
    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • O55 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Africa

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