recherches économiques
Volume 20, Numéro 1, Pages 146-160
2025-06-30

The Role Of Financial Technology In Enhancing Financial Inclusion In Arab Countries: Case Study Of Algeria

Authors : Sissani Midoun . Frioua فيروة .

Abstract

Financial technology (FinTech) has emerged as a transformative force in enhancing financial inclusion across Arab countries, particularly in Algeria, where traditional banking services remain limited for a significant portion of the population. According to the World Bank, as of 2022, only 43% of Algerian adults had access to a formal financial institution, compared to the regional average of 53% in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The rise of mobile banking, digital payment systems, and microfinance solutions has significantly contributed to bridging this gap. The Algerian FinTech sector has witnessed a 35% growth in digital payment adoption from 2020 to 2023, fueled by regulatory reforms and increasing smartphone penetration, which reached 68% in 2023. This study explores the impact of FinTech on financial inclusion in Algeria through a case study approach, analyzing recent initiatives such as the expansion of mobile money services and government-backed digital financial programs.

Keywords

Financial technology ; Financial inclusion ; Financial services