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This study aimed to unveil the evolving landscape of digital financial inclusion in African countries during the post‐COVID‐19 era. We examined factors influencing the access and usage of digital financial services and identified population segments facing increased exclusion due to the digital divide. First, by applying principal component analysis to data collected at the country level from 39 African countries in 2014, 2017, and 2022, we developed a digital financial inclusion index. Second, the empirical research utilized a microlevel dataset of 29,042 adults from 29 countries, sourced from the World Bank's Global Findex 2021 database, employing the instrumental variable probit methodology. Comparative analysis showed improvements in digital financial inclusion rankings for Kenya, Lesotho, and Botswana, while Egypt, Sudan, Tunisia, and Niger experienced declines, indicating limited access. Our empirical findings suggest that certain groups, such as women and individuals with limited education and lower incomes, encounter obstacles in accessing digital financial services. Factors such as education level, labor market participation and access to technology and internet infrastructure emerged as crucial in promoting digital financial inclusion. Our sample's representative nature enhances the study's practical implications, guiding public policies and international institutions to accelerate digital financial inclusion in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores new pathways to women's empowerment, including household structure, family support, satisfaction and self-esteem, and trust in institutions and politicians, and their impact on labor market participation, with a specific focus on gender differences. Using a microeconomic database of 7,860 individuals from North Africa and employing a Probit model, we find that gender significantly influences labor market participation. Surprisingly, our results reveal that education operates in an unexpected direction in the North African region, confirming the "MENA paradox". Moreover, household structure's impact on labor decisions varies by gender, as gender norms prevalent in male-dominated societies hinder women's labor market participation, leading to a "marriage penalty." In a similar vein, our estimations reveal a significant positive correlation between men's belief that "men should have greater job rights than women during scarce work periods" and their labor force participation, shedding light on the influential role of gender norms in North Africa. Our study emphasizes the critical role of networking, social capital, and how North Africans' perception of political life impedes their labor force participation. As for policy implications, our contribution illuminates new pathways for women's empowerment, advocating for comprehensive legislative reforms to promote gender equality and foster inclusive development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This paper aims to first, develop an analytical framework that examines the role of financial inclusion in promoting investment and economic growth, through the reduction of financial imperfections and considering the heterogeneity of access to the financial system. When performing a comparative analysis of the levels of financial inclusion in Africa, we mobilize the principal component analysis methodology to build the African Financial Inclusion Index (AFIndex). To test the empirical validity of the analytical conclusions, we use a panel data regression technique on a database constituted of 33 African countries over the period 2004-2019. Based on model simulations, financial inclusion stimulates investment and economic growth. Empirical results provide evidence attesting to the fact that financial inclusion has a significant and positive impact on investment and economic growth in Africa. The AFIndex shows that most African economies have a low level of financial inclusion. Our model is original as it provides analytical evidence on the negative impact of financial exclusion on economic growth, emphasizing the vital role of financial inclusion for economic growth. The AFIndex is a useful tool for designing and evaluating policies and/or programs intended for promoting financial inclusion in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discuss the link between financial development and economic growth through Total Factor Productivity (TFP) canal in African economies. First, we use a composite index to hierarchize financial development in 40 African countries. Then, we study this relationship by using the methodology of panel data based on the Breusch-Pagan LM Test and Hausman Test, to determine the nature of the specific effect, in a panel of 22 economies. The main results of our study show that the development of the financial sector does not promote total factors productivity in low-income and upper-middleincome countries. For the lower middle-income countries, the Finance-TFP relationship is significantly positive. The reforms of African financial systems should be designed and directed to increase the adequacy of financial services with the needs of each economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]