E-government and Financial Inclusion: Unlocking Opportunities with Technology

Abstract

Purpose: The chapter examines e-government and financial inclusion practices globally and upholds the duo as the basis of a resilient economy, serving as a means of unlocking opportunities with technology. Need for the study: The chapter justifies how e-government initiatives promote financial inclusion by leveraging digital financial services to enhance economic growth, while addressing digital challenges and empowering policymakers with technological advancements for sustainable development. Methodology: Adopting a qualitative approach, the chapter incorporates scholarly material and infographics to explain the chapter’s objectives, such as examining e-government and financial inclusion practices, drivers, and limiting factors of the duo. Findings: The benefits of e-government and financial inclusion are more evident in countries such as Singapore, Estonia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kenya than in countries like Afghanistan and Somalia. The success rate is high in developed countries but very low in developing countries. Additionally, key factors such as cyber threats, the digital divide, policy gaps, and budgetary structural deficits hinder the achievement of result-oriented e-government and financial inclusion. Practical implications: Humans live in a digitally connected universe, where AI-driven technologies are transforming human lives and perceptions. As such, proper harnessing and implementation of e-government and financial inclusion guarantee a better future for both the government and its citizens.