EFFECT OF FINTECH SOLUTIONS ON FINANCIAL INCLUSION IN RURAL ENUGU, NIGERIA
Main Article Content
Abstract
This study examines the effect of FinTech solutions on financial inclusion in rural Enugu, Nigeria, focusing on how these technologies have improved access to financial services, the barriers inhibiting their adoption, and their influence on the financial empowerment of rural dwellers. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 385 rural respondents using structured questionnaires, supplemented by qualitative interviews with key stakeholders. Quantitative data were analyzed through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis to identify relationships and predictive factors influencing FinTech adoption and financial inclusion. The findings reveal that FinTech solutions have significantly enhanced access to financial services, with positive correlations between digital literacy, trust, infrastructure availability, and adoption rates. Nonetheless, major barriers such as limited internet connectivity, low digital literacy, and infrastructural deficits remain significant obstacles to broader adoption. Additionally, FinTech adoption has a statistically significant positive impact on the financial behavior and economic well-being of rural users. The study recommends targeted interventions to improve digital infrastructure, expand digital literacy programs, and build trust in FinTech platforms to further advance financial inclusion and empowerment in rural communities. These results provide empirical insights crucial for policymakers, financial institutions, and FinTech developers striving to bridge the rural financial divide in Nigeria

