Trends and Insights in Financial Inclusion and Mobile Money: A Decade of Bibliometric Analysis (2014–2023)

Abstract

This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to explore research trends in financial inclusion and mobile money over the last decade (2014–2023), using data from the Scopus database. Analyzing 439 publications, this study identifies key trends, influential authors, and leading countries in the field. The analysis, supported by tools such as VOS Viewer, reveals dominant themes such as “financial inclusion,” “mobile money,” and “financial system,” with a particular focus on technological advancements and their regional impacts, especially in developing countries. The findings highlight the growing academic interest in mobile money’s role in promoting economic development and poverty alleviation. Moreover, this study underscores the significant geographical disparities in research output, with developed economies producing the most research. Insights from this analysis provide guidance for policymakers and researchers to support future financial inclusion initiatives. The study concludes by recommending further exploration of under-researched regions and the qualitative impact of mobile money on socio-economic outcomes.