| Contexte et objectif(s) | Financial inclusion remains a cornerstone of equitable economic development, particularly in developing economies like Tunisia, where marginalized populations often lack access to formal financial services. Microfinance has emerged as a pivotal tool to bridge this gap, offering credit, savings, and insurance products to low-income households and small enterprises. However, the effectiveness of microfinance in fostering sustained financial inclusion remains debated, with mixed empirical evidence on its long-term socioeconomic impacts.
The 2011 Tunisian revolution highlighted systemic inequalities, prompting policymakers to prioritize financial inclusion as part of broader economic reforms. Despite this, approximately 45% of Tunisians remain unbanked, with rural regions disproportionately excluded. This study addresses critical gaps by investigating the dynamic relationship between microfinance and financial inclusion using time-series econometrics. By employing the ARDL model, it evaluates both short- and long-term impacts while accounting for structural breaks and economic volatility.
Financial inclusion remains a cornerstone of sustainable development, particularly in emerging economies like Tunisia, where a significant portion of the population lacks access to formal financial services. Microfinance has emerged as a pivotal tool to bridge this gap, offering credit, savings, and insurance to marginalized groups. Despite global recognition of its potential, the specific impact of microfinance in Tunisia, a country marked by urban-rural disparities and evolving financial regulations, remains underexplored.
This study addresses the research question: To what extent does microfinance contribute to financial inclusion in Tunisia? By employing the ARDL model, it analyzes both short- and long-term relationships between microfinance and financial inclusion, contextualized within Tunisia’s socio-economic landscape. The findings aim to inform policymakers and stakeholders on optimizing microfinance strategies to achieve inclusive growth.
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