A Theoretical Review of The Relationship Between Financial Inclusion and Human Development

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to evaluate the relationship between Financial Inclusion and Human Development with a special focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. The specific objectives of the study include the following: to understand the concept of Financial Inclusion and Human Development; to analyze the factors that influence Financial Inclusion in Sub-Sahara Africa; to determine the type of relationship between Financial Inclusion and Human Development in the case of Sub-Saharan Africa, and to examine the relationship between Financial Inclusion and human development. A critical review and analysis of selected theoretical reviews and empirical articles and policy documents on Financial Inclusion and Human Development have been used as the methodology for this study. Using empirical and theoretical evidence, the study concludes that, in Sub-Saharan Africa, there is a strong relationship between Financial Inclusion and Human Development. Further, from the empirical and theoretical evidence provided in the study, it is recommended that SSA countries need to remove financial, bureaucratic, and physical barriers to financial inclusiveness. Therefore, Sub-Saharan Africa should formulate and implement policies that will enhance Financial Inclusion, consequently, the Human Development of the masses. Finally, it  can be considered that enhanced GDP is an eminent gauge of financial inclusion. Unequal wealth distribution can consequent in financial inclusion and thus can harm overall Human Development. The study further concludes that there is a positive correlation between Human Development and Financial Inclusion. Furthermore, the study considers that economic development is undeniably a vital element in enhancing financial inclusion.

Keyword: Financial Inclusion; Human Development; Human Development Index; HDI; Inequality-Adjusted Human Development Index; IHDI, Sub-Saharan Africa; SSA; Sustainable Development Goals; SDGs

DOI: 10.7176/JESD/13-20-11

Publication date:October 31^st 2022