Leveraging Blockchain for Sustainable Finance: Insights, Challenges, and Opportunities for Africa

David Mhlanga

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

Abstract

Integrating blockchain technology into sustainable finance represents a pivotal shift towards more transparent, efficient, and inclusive financial practices. This chapter presents a systematic review of the current literature on the role of blockchain in fostering sustainable financial systems. By meticulously analysing peer-reviewed articles, industry reports, and case studies, we identify the key ways blockchain technology is being applied to enhance sustainability in financial operations. The review reveals emerging trends, such as using smart contracts for green bonds, blockchain-enabled supply chain transparency for sustainable investments, and deploying decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions to support sustainable development goals (SDGs). Furthermore, we discuss the challenges facing blockchain integration into sustainable finance, including regulatory hurdles, technological limitations, and scalability and interoperability issues. This chapter concludes by outlining a research agenda to address these challenges, foster innovation, and guide future scholarly and practical efforts towards the realization of sustainable finance through blockchain technology. This work is a comprehensive resource for academics, policymakers, and practitioners interested in understanding and advancing the intersection of blockchain technology and sustainable finance.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationFinancial Inclusion and Sustainable Development in Sub-Saharan Africa
PublisherTaylor and Francis
Pages52-73
Number of pages22
ISBN (Electronic)9781040300589
ISBN (Print)9781032849379
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2025
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Economics,Econometrics and Finance
  • General Business,Management and Accounting
  • General Social Sciences

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