Examining the impact of digital financial inclusion on economic growth.

Abstract

Digital financial inclusion (DFI) is a pivotal element in economic policies aimed at stimulating growth and development, particularly in developing regions. This is especially pertinent for the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which have seen a rapid adoption of digital financial services over the past two decades. These services, accessible via mobile phones and the internet, can bridge the gap between the banked and unbanked populations, providing a pathway to inclusive financial access. This thesis explores the impact of DFI on economic growth (EG) in the GCC countries from 2000 to 2023, focusing on various digital financial services such as ATMs, online banking, digital commerce, mobile POS payments, and digital remittances.The main objective of this study is to assess how DFI influences EG in the Gulf countries, utilizing advanced econometric techniques to analyze panel data. Five macroeconomic variables are examined: GDP per capita, access to ATMs, online banking, digital commerce, and digital remittances. The empirical analysis indicates that DFI significantly contributes to EG by improving financial accessibility, reducing poverty, and encouraging entrepreneurial activities.The findings suggest that while DFI has a positive impact on economic growth, there is also a need for strategic investments in digital infrastructure, regulatory reforms, and financial literacy programs to fully harness these benefits. These insights are crucial for policymakers, financial institutions, and stakeholders in the GCC countries to build a robust and inclusive financial ecosystem. The study highlights the importance of decreasing reliance on traditional banking systems and oil revenues, advocating for a diversified economic strategy to support sustained long-term growth and development