Abstract
This chapter explores digital financial inclusion in Africa through the development of a Network-Centric Theory of Financial Innovation. Using a systematic review of 87 studies (2020–2024) with digital ethnographic analysis of 250 entrepreneur profiles and 45 fintech forums across 15 African markets, we examine the complex interplay between digital entrepreneurship, regulatory frameworks, and financial inclusion outcomes. Our findings reveal that the effectiveness of digital financial interventions varies by market maturity, regulatory frameworks exhibit bi-directional influences on entrepreneurial innovation, and network effects play a pivotal role in shaping financial inclusion. We challenge traditional institutional void perspectives, arguing that financial inclusion emerges through dynamic interactions rather than linear progressions. Our contribution underscores the need for sophisticated entrepreneurial ecosystems tailored to local market conditions. We conclude with implications for policy and practice, alongside directions for future research
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Entrepreneurship and the Dynamics of Contexts. |
| Publisher | Emerald Publishing Limited |
| Publication status | Published - Jun 2025 |