An analysis of the factors affecting the financial inclusion in Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the drivers of the ownership and use of mobile accounts as compared to those of financial institution accounts in Côte d’Ivoire. In this perspective, individual level data from the Global Findex 2017 database were used to carry out simple probit and Heckman probit estimations. The results revealed that the ownership of mobile accounts is associated with determinants related to individuals in the least vulnerable strata of society (wealthier and more educated individuals and individuals in the labour force), while their use is associated with determinants related to individuals in the most vulnerable strata of society (women and individuals out of the labour force). On the other hand, the ownership and use of financial institution accounts are associated with the determinants related to individuals in the least vulnerable strata of society. Therefore, the delay between the financial institution accounts’ penetration rate and that of mobile accounts in Côte d’Ivoire may be explained by the greater use of mobile accounts by individuals in the most vulnerable strata of society, which represent the large share of the unbanked.