أثر الشمول المالي في تعزيز النمو الاقتصادي

Abstract

This study examines the impact of financial inclusion on economic growth in selected MENA countries—Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia—over the period 2004–2021. Using the Panel-ARDL (Autoregressive Distributed Lag) model, the research investigates both short- and long-run relationships between financial inclusion indicators and real GDP. Financial inclusion was measured through indicators such as the number of ATMs, commercial bank branches, credit to the private sector, and the number of borrowers from commercial banks. The findings reveal a positive and significant relationship between financial inclusion and economic growth, indicating that broader access to financial and banking services fosters higher GDP and stimulates economic activity. Moreover, the results highlight that financial inclusion serves as a vital driver of sustainable development and the reduction of economic disparities, suggesting that policymakers should implement strategies to expand financial access and integrate unbanked individuals into the formal financial system.