Microfinance and the Challenge of Financial Inclusion for Sme’s Development in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examined microfinance and the challenge of financial inclusion for SMEs development in Nigeria. The study adopted two separate econometrics models for capturing and testing for significance in the stated objectives between 2005 and 2015. The first model determined whether financial inclusion improve the financial well-being of low-income savers in the study period. The second investigated the impact that micro finance has on the performance of small and medium scale enterprises. Each of the models was subjected to the Ordinary Least Square regression to determine the appropriateness of models estimated. Findings from the empirical results in model one (1) and two (2) indicated relationship between financial inclusion in Nigeria, microfinance, and small business enterprises over 10 years period of study. The study found out that there is a significant relationship between financial inclusion and financial well – being of the low income earners. Empirical finding that examines the relationship between microfinance and small business in Nigeria indicates that there is a negative significant relationship between loan to small enterprises and loan to rural areas in Nigeria in the period under study. The study suggests therefore that financial inclusion will have a positive significant impact on the development of small business if the plan to include everyone works in Nigeria.