Simelane, Syilina2025-02-122024Simelane, Syilina. (2024). The use of mobile money as driver for financial inclusion [Master’s dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg].WireDSpace.https://hdl.handle.net/10539/43857https://hdl.handle.net/10539/43857A research report submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Administration to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024Technology has contributed greatly to innovation. Since the advent of the internet and computers have increased the pace of innovation. Innovation has been moving at light speed. However, a large percentage of the population have not been able to enjoy the benefits of this growth in technology. The one invention though that has permeated all corners of the globe is the cellular phone (mobile phone). Cell phones have become ubiquitous. Their main function is to keep people connected. The cell phones’ other functionalities and compactness adds to the allure and necessity of the cell phone. Technology has also created an expectation in consumers. The expectation that they will receive products that will perfectly satisfy their needs. As noted in my research, I will review the methodology, setup, considerations and past successes of other countries in providing solutions that fit the needs of consumers of mobile banking. In countries such as India, Kenya and China. The purpose of this study is to determine how Mobile Network Operators can play an integral in the financial inclusion of low-income individuals through Mobile money applications. At current the availability, use and adoption of mobile money applications is low. This is due to several impediments that exist to low-income users. Some being awareness of the application, understanding on how to use the application and the benefits they may gain. The study reviews these impediments and offers suggestions on how to overcome these impediments. Mobile Network Operators (MNO) help improve access to mobile phones and in turn increase access to mobile banking applications. This research shows that increased use of mobile money application improves lives of those using these applications. It increases access to finance, creating more revenue for businesses using the application and Mobile Network Operators, that in turn increases the overall Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Through this research we find that Mobile Network Operators have a role to play in financial inclusion, however it will require a strategy that focuses on educating low- income individuals on available applications as well as creating solutions that are tailored for the needs of low-income individualsen© 2025 University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.Mobile Network OperatorFinancial inclusionBanking and FintechUCTDSDG-8: Decent work and economic growthDissertationUniversity of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg