Sustainable Finance, Digital Financial Inclusion, and Inclusive Growth: Evidence from Shendam LGA, Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Sustainable finance plays a pivotal role in linking circular economy (CE) aimed with financial inclusion, especially in emerging nations. The main
objective of this paper was to examine sustainable finance, digital financial inclusion, and inclusive growth: Evidence from Shendam LGA, Plateau
State, Nigeria. This paper employed explanatory research design, quantitative research method and a positivist research philosophical thought. The population of the paper consists of 5,500 active digital financial service users in Shendam, Plateau State, Nigeria. The sample size of 410 respondents was determined using the Yamane (1967) formula at a 5% level of significance and 95% confidence interval. This paper make used of homogeneous purposive sampling technique and structured questionnaires and VB-SEM facilitated by SmartPLS 4.1.1.7. 410 structured research instruments were administered but 396 were returned
representing 97%. The findings revealed that sustainable finance had a positive and significant effect on inclusive growth. Digital financial
inclusion had a positive and significant effect on inclusive growth. Sustainable finance and digital financial inclusion and showed a positive and significant moderating effect on inclusive growth. This empirical paper added to existing literature by using Technology Acceptance Model to explain theoretical linkage between sustainable financial practices, digital access to financial services, and inclusive economic growth. This paper offered policy direction on strengthening digital financial literacy and expanding rural fintech penetration through sustainable financing instruments. This paper showed how adopting sustainable finance models and digital platforms can improve financial access and reduce exclusion.