Financial Inclusion and Sustainable Development in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Introduction

This chapter provides a thorough examination of how financial inclusion contributes to the promotion of sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa. Through the clarification of the notions of financial inclusion and sustainable development, this book lays the groundwork for comprehending their interrelationships and the substantial influence they exert on the socioeconomic milieu of the area. This chapter emphasizes the crucial significance of incorporating excluded communities into the financial system by comprehensively analyzing the distinctive problems and opportunities in Sub-Saharan Africa. The argument posits that the attainment of elevated levels of financial inclusion is not just dependent on individual economic empowerment but also plays a critical role in the realization of wider development objectives, such as the alleviation of poverty, the promotion of gender equality, and the preservation of environmental sustainability. This chapter provides an overview of the organization of the following sections, which explore empirical examinations, case studies, and policy suggestions to utilize financial inclusion as a driver for sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa. This introductory passage prompts readers to contemplate the manifold advantages of financial inclusion and its capacity to revolutionize the developmental path of a highly dynamic and diversified global region.