Ethiopian mobile banking begins a slow expansion phase

2015 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Banking ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Foreign Investors ◽  
Expansion Phase ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mobile Payments ◽  
Slow Expansion ◽  
National Bank ◽  
Roll Out

Subject Mobile banking in Ethiopia. Significance A significant increase in the roll-out of mobile banking platforms is underway. In December, the Irish-linked mobile banking platform m-Birr received regulatory approval and expects to add 13,000 users during February. The National Bank of Ethiopia's (NBE) mobile banking framework adopted in January 2013 was stymied by a 6,000-birr (295 dollar) cap on transactions and a requirement for printed receipts for transactions at branches. However, the roll-out of an agent network like m-Birr could change the sector's fortunes. Impacts Mobile payments services will spur demand for telecommunications, but strain the capacity of state monopoly Ethio Telecom. However, compared to the experience of private-sector driven processes in other African countries, take-up will grow at a modest pace. The role of foreign investors is likely to remain limited to technology provision.

Can financial inclusion reduce the presence of corruption? Evidence from selected countries in Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (11) ◽  
pp. 1345-1362
Author(s):  
Folorunsho M. Ajide
Keyword(s):  
Random Effect ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Threshold Level ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Least Square ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Control Of Corruption

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the impact of financial inclusion (FI) on control of corruption in selected African countries.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs secondary data spanning over a period of 2005–2016. These data are sourced from IMF's International Financial Statistics, World Bank Development Indicators, Global Financial Development Database, Transparency International and International Country Risk Guide. The author uses Sarma (2008) approach to construct the FI index for 13 countries in Africa. The author applies random effect, robust least square and instrumental variable (IV) estimations to examine the impact of FI on control of corruption in Africa.FindingsThe author finds that financial inclusion improves the control of corruption. The author tests for possible FI threshold to avoid the case of extreme FI in Africa. The results show that there is a threshold level if reached, FI would have negative impacts in the control of corruption. This may likely happen mainly due to weak institutions in Africa. The results are robust to alternative proxy for control of corruption and various alternative estimation techniques.Practical implicationsThe finding indicates that FI can serve as part of toolkits for reducing corruption in Africa.Originality/valueThis study stresses the important role of FI in the economic system. It is the first paper that empirically suggests the role of FI in controlling corruption in Africa.

Network externalities and the perception of innovation characteristics: mobile banking

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 592-611 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soo Yeong Ewe ◽  
Sheau Fen Yap ◽  
Christina Kwai Choi Lee
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Banking ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Integrative Framework ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Innovation Characteristics ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Technology Anxiety ◽  
Perception Of Innovation

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to clarify the relationship between the sub-components of network externalities (NE), investigates the mediating role of the perception of innovation characteristics and explores the potential moderating effects of technology anxiety within an integrative framework using the theories of diffusion of innovation (DOI) and NE on the behavioural intention of mobile banking services. NE theory explains the impact of an increase in number of users and complementary services on perceived value of product innovation. Design/methodology/approach – This study clarifies the relationship between the sub-components of NE, investigates the mediating role of the perception of innovation characteristics and explores the potential moderating effects of technology anxiety within an integrative framework using the theories of DOI and NE on the behavioural intention of mobile banking services. NE theory explains the impact of an increase in number of users and complementary services on perceived value of product innovation. Findings – Empirical results support the positive relationship between perceived number of users and availability of complementary services. The results lend support to the hypothesized mediating role of perceived compatibility and perceived complexity on the influence of indirect NE on the intention to use mobile banking. Finally, technology anxiety did not moderate any of the paths postulated in the hypothesized model. Practical implications – The findings suggest that the willingness to adopt mobile banking may be increased by providing and promoting a wide range of complementary services because the availability of complementary services gives the impression that mobile banking is easy to use and is compatible with their lifestyles. Originality/value – This study contributes to the literature on DOI by using NE theory, a theory borrowed from Economics to explain an underlying motivation to adopt an innovation. This is an original study which tests the proposition that NE may influence the perception of innovation characteristics and intention to adopt an innovation.

The role of financial development and corruption in environmental degradation of Sub-Saharan African countries

2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 895-913 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nura Sani Yahaya ◽  
Mohd Razani Mohd‐Jali ◽  
Jimoh Olajide Raji
Keyword(s):  
Financial Development ◽  
Environmental Degradation ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Efficient Technology ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Credit Allocation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sub Saharan

PurposeThis study examines the role of financial development and its interaction with corruption in the environmental degradation of eight Sub-Saharan African countries from 2000–2014.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilizes Pedroni cointegration and fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) techniques for the estimation of the models.FindingsThe results of the cointegration test reveal that there exist long-run relationships among the variables in the model with the interaction of financial development and corruption, and in the model without interaction. The FMOLS estimates show that in the former model, the interaction of financial development with corruption is positively significant in determining the level of environmental degradation in those countries. Moreover, in the latter, financial development, trade openness, and corruption have a positive effect on their environmental degradationResearch limitations/implicationsUnavailability of data, the study was limited to only eight Sub-Saharan African nationsPractical implicationsThe finding that financial development and its interaction with corruption have an adverse effect on the environments of the Sub-Saharan African countries implies the need to focus on how efficient credits are being allocated in those countries. For better management of environmental quality, this may require the implementation of policies that enhance credit allocation to users with energy-efficient technology and appliances that promote the quality of environments. In addition, stringent policies could be embarked upon to curtail all acts of corruption in the region for an efficient credit allocation and a better environment in the development of Sub-Saharan African society.Originality/valueThe dearth in empirical studies on the Sub-Saharan African countries motivates this study. In particular, little is known about the interaction effect of corruption and financial development on the environmental degradation of those countries, as the work on this is limited in the existing literature.

Use of e-government services: the role of trust

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 622-633 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mercy Mpinganjira
Keyword(s):  
African Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Government Services ◽  
Two Factors ◽  
Online Channel ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of trust in understanding usage of e-government services in South Africa. Of interest are services that involve two way interactions between citizens and government. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative and quantitative data were collected from members of the public using in-depth interviews and a structured questionnaire, respectively. Findings – The findings show that trust in internet and in government as a provider of e-services are important factors that differentiates users and non-users of e-government services. The two factors are also significantly related to willingness to start using e-government services. Trust in e-service provider unlike trust in internet was however found to be a stronger differentiator of users and non-users and to have a stronger relationship with willingness to start using e-government services. Practical implications – Efforts aimed at promoting use of e-government services need to be based on a good understanding of factors that impact on citizens’ decisions in this regard. Such efforts need to include activities targeted at improving people’s trust in government’s ability to provide reliable and secure e-services. Originality/value – While provision of government services using the online channel is a growing phenomenon in most African countries, not much research has been done into what governments should focus on in order to entice more citizens to take up this channel. This study contributes to addressing this gap.

scholarly journals Developing entrepreneurship in Africa: investigating critical resource challenges

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 644-666 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victor Yawo Atiase ◽  
Samia Mahmood ◽  
Yong Wang ◽  
David Botchie
Keyword(s):  
Institutional Theory ◽  
Contract Enforcement ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Entrepreneurship Development ◽  
Access To Credit ◽  
State Institutions ◽  
Political Governance

Purpose By drawing upon institutional theory, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of four critical resources (credit, electricity, contract enforcement and political governance) in explaining the quality of entrepreneurship and the depth of the supporting entrepreneurship ecosystem in Africa. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative approach based on ordinary least squares regression analysis was used. Three data sources were employed. First, the Global Entrepreneurship Index (GEI) of 35 African countries was used to measure the quality of entrepreneurship and the depth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Africa which represents the dependent variable. Second, the World Bank’s data on access to credit, electricity and contract enforcement in Africa were also employed as explanatory variables. Third, the Ibrahim Index of African Governance was used as an explanatory variable. Finally, country-specific data on four control variables (GDP, foreign direct investment, population and education) were gathered and analysed. Findings To support entrepreneurship development, Africa needs broad financial inclusion and state institutions that are more effective at enforcing contracts. Access to credit was non-significant and therefore did not contribute to the dependent variable (entrepreneurship quality and depth of entrepreneurial support in Africa). Access to electricity and political governance were statistically significant and correlated positively with the dependent variables. Finally, contract enforcement was partially significant and contributed to the dependent variable. Research limitations/implications A lack of GEI data for all 54 African countries limited this study to only 35 African countries: 31 in sub-Saharan Africa and 4 in North Africa. Therefore, the generalisability of this study’s findings to the whole of Africa might be limited. Second, this study depended on indexes for this study. Therefore, any inconsistencies in the index aggregation if any could not be authenticated. This study has practical implications for the development of entrepreneurship in Africa. Public and private institutions for credit delivery, contract enforcement and the provision of utility services such as electricity are crucial for entrepreneurship development. Originality/value The institutional void is a challenge for Africa. This study highlights the weak, corrupt nature of African institutions that supposedly support MSME growth. Effective entrepreneurship development in Africa depends on the presence of a supportive institutional infrastructure. This study engages institutional theory to explain the role of institutional factors such as state institutions, financial institutions, utility providers and markets in entrepreneurship development in Africa.

scholarly journals The Polymorphic Linker Domain ofpfmdr1Is Associated with Resistance-Conferring Mutations in Plasmodium falciparum Populations from East and West Africa

2013 ◽  
Vol 57 (9) ◽  
pp. 4595-4598 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Okombo ◽  
Issaka Zongo ◽  
Nahla Gadalla ◽  
Teun Bousema ◽  
Khalid B. Beshir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Plasmodium Falciparum ◽  
West Africa ◽  
Sequence Variation ◽  
Specific Form ◽  
Published Data ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rich Domain ◽  
Linker Domain

ABSTRACTSequence variation in the asparagine/aspartate-rich domain ofpfmdr1in 215 isolates ofPlasmodium falciparumfrom three African countries was compared with published data. The role of this domain in modulating antimalarial sensitivity has not been established. Thepfmdr186Y allele was significantly associated with different configurations of the Asn/Asp-rich domain in West and East Africa. In Kenya, a specific form of the Asn/Asp-rich domain was significantly linked to the 86Y, 184Y, and 1246Y haplotype ofpfmdr1.

Reconsidering the “what is beautiful is good” effect

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (7) ◽  
pp. 1525-1546 ◽  
Author(s):  
Walid Chaouali ◽  
Imene Ben Yahia ◽  
Renaud Lunardo ◽  
Abdelfattah Triki
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Perceived Usefulness ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Good Effect ◽  
Mobile Banking ◽  
Persuasion Knowledge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mediating Role ◽  
Mobile Banking Applications

Purpose Applying the stimulus–organism–response model, the purpose of this paper is to analyse the influence of design aesthetics (stimulus) on adoption and recommendation intentions (response) of mobile banking applications through the mediating role of perceived usefulness and trust (organism). Importantly, this research further examines the moderating effect of persuasion knowledge, which attenuates the effects of design aesthetics on perceived usefulness and trust. Design/methodology/approach A survey is conducted with the help of panellist among a sample of 213 bank customers who are not yet users of mobile banking. Data are analysed using the PROCESS macro. Findings The results show that design aesthetics positively influence perceived usefulness and trust. These variables, in turn, positively affect adoption and recommendation intentions of mobile banking applications. Interestingly, the findings also demonstrate that persuasion knowledge moderates the effects of design aesthetics on perceived usefulness and trust, as well as their mediating effect. Originality/value Because the results demonstrate that persuasion knowledge weakens the effects of design aesthetics on perceived usefulness and trust, the originality of this research rests upon its reconsideration of the “what is beautiful is good” effect and the questioning of the supremacy of this effect. These results provide insights for academics to better explain and increase adoption and recommendation intentions. Moreover, the results can help banking practitioners to improve their policies and strategies pertaining to mobile banking applications.

scholarly journals Female entrepreneurship in Africa

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 349-367 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dina Modestus Nziku ◽  
John Joseph Struthers
Keyword(s):  
Women Entrepreneurs ◽  
Risk Sharing ◽  
Risk Behaviour ◽  
African Women ◽  
Weak Ties ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Conceptual Study ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activities

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual framework which combines the strength of weak ties (SWT) concept with an innovative taxonomy for mitigating principal-agent (P-A) conflicts. The taxonomy highlights the mechanisms through which African women can overcome the obstacles faced when setting up businesses. Design/methodology/approach The paper discusses the role of “weak ties” networks in entrepreneurial activities and integrates the concept with the key parameters of the P-A paradigm. The aim is to develop a taxonomy (or scorecard) for mitigating the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Africa from a P-A perspective. Six P-A parameters are analysed, namely, attitudes towards risk; behaviour-based vs targets-based contracts; asymmetric information; risk-sharing; transaction costs; and verification and monitoring costs. Findings With the aid of the taxonomy developed in the paper, the authors analyse the channels through which “SWT” networks may impact in mitigating the problems arising from the P-A paradigm. Some implications for women entrepreneurs in Africa are highlighted. Research limitations/implications The current conceptual study suggests that the “SWT” concept can be used by African women entrepreneurs to mitigate P-A problems. The authors argue that the original P-A taxonomy developed in the paper fills a conceptual research gap in the existing literature. Embedding the SWT concept within a P-A framework will facilitate further research not only to understand African women entrepreneurs’ attitudes (and responses) towards risk and uncertainty, but this will also facilitate greater understanding of the importance women attach to the role of incentives within their businesses. Practical implications The taxonomy presents new insights for understanding the most serious constraints that hinder women entrepreneurs in Africa. The taxonomy will be the basis for a follow-up empirical paper on selected African countries. Originality/value The originality of this study lies in the development of an innovative taxonomy which highlights the role of “SWT” social networks towards mitigating the P-A problem among African women entrepreneurs. The paper makes a significant contribution to the literature from a conceptual perspective.

scholarly journals Mobile banking services adoption in Pakistan: are there gender differences?

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (7) ◽  
pp. 1090-1114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Glavee-Geo ◽  
Aijaz Ahmed Shaikh ◽  
Heikki Karjaluoto
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Technology Acceptance ◽  
Group Analysis ◽  
Adoption Process ◽  
Mobile Banking ◽  
Banking Services ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adoption Intention

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive insight into the deciding factors affecting an individual’s intention to adopt mobile banking (m-banking) services in Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach A survey approach was used with a sample of 189 responses from across Pakistan. Multi-group analysis was performed in order to detect gender differences among men and women in the process of adopting m-banking. Findings The paper found support for the positive effect of perceived behavioral control (PBC) and attitudes (ATT) toward m-banking adoption intentions. Significant differences between men and women were found to affect subjective norms (SN) on adoption intention, even though the combined sample of men and women was insignificant. The effect of SN on m-banking adoption is stronger for women than for men. Interestingly, the paper provides contradictory findings on the role of PBC on adoption intention. The effect of PBC on m-banking adoption intention was found to be significantly stronger for men than for women. Practical implications The results present implications of consumer behavior and marketing communication for bank marketing. Although men and women do not differ in their ATT toward m-banking service adoption in general, the succinct nuance between men and women in terms of the influence of SN and PBC with adoption intention calls for a strategic reorientation of how men and women as consumers of m-banking services should be appropriately segmented, targeted and communicated. The formulation of marketing strategies to target potential consumers and to reinforce the usefulness of m-banking to existing consumers should not be “one size fits all.” The marketing of m-banking services to segments of men and women should be approached strategically in order to increase adoption rates in developing/emerging economies. Originality/value This is the first study on m-banking services adoption in Pakistan to examine the role of gender in the innovation adoption process. The differences between the two genders and the insightful results that we found in our study help shed light on the uniqueness of the context. This study is also one of the first to test a combined technology acceptance model and theory of planned behavior model in the context of m-banking adoption in a developing country using a variance-based modeling technique.

scholarly journals The Role of Payment Cards as a Transaction Tool in Poland

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 444-455
Author(s):  
Bartosz Golnik
Keyword(s):  
Statistical Methods ◽  
Debit Card ◽  
Mobile Payments ◽  
Payment Methods ◽  
Source Data ◽  
Payment Cards ◽  
National Bank ◽  
Potential Alternative ◽  
Transaction Fees

SummarySubject and purpose of work: The article addresses the issue of the increasing use of payment cards in Poland and related consequences in the number and volume of transactions cash and cashless. The article analyzes the growing importance of cards as a transaction medium of Poles. The topic of potential alternative payment methods was also discussed.Materials and methods: The study used the analysis of literature and source data from, among others, National Bank of Poland, prnews.pl, Statista.com database, websites of banks and others. Descriptive and statistical methods were used in order to prepare the research.Results: In Poland, the number of cards owned by citizens is growing rapidly, as well as the volume and number of transactions concluded with them. Customers, banks and economic and commercial units are most interested in payment cards market.Conclusions: Transaction with cards deepens customer attachment to a particular brand of the organization and allows to gain benefit from transaction fees. The popularization of cards results in a limited share of cash in transactions. Making debit card payments requires customers to have sufficient deposits on the account, which is also an advantage for the bank. It is expected that the scope and role of mobile payments will grow dynamically.

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