Financial Inclusion and
Sustainable Growth
Not available in 2026
Over the past years, many low-income countries and emerging economies have undergone extensive financial reforms. Despite these reforms, many households and enterprises, especially in Africa, are still unable to participate in the financial sector. While it is well known that financial institutions and markets can help induce economic growth, it is much less clear how financial development can become inclusive and kick-start a process of sustainable economic growth with a positive effect on the poor.
This summer school will discuss the major developments regarding research on financial inclusion, including microfinance. It will shed much light on how financial inclusion can induce sustainable growth in low-income economies, with explicit attention to African countries.
The Summer School on Financial Inclusion and Sustainable Growth does not use a single source or textbook as a reference. The course notes will contain all the necessary background and reading required. However, the following affordable textbook constitutes a good reference for many topics covered: “Lensink, Robert, Hamilton, Calumn and Charles Adjasi (2022), Advanced Introduction to Financial Inclusion, Elgar Advanced Introductions (EE) Cheltenham UK, Northampton, Us. (paper back)”.
This course is structured in three parts, and each part is taught by a specific lecturer:
- Impact of Financial Inclusion Interventions: Methods and Applications
- Financial Inclusion: Financial Innovation and Cross-Border Banking
- Financial Products for Financial Inclusion
Classes will take place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, with short breaks in the morning and afternoon, and a one-hour break for lunch.
Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding
– Gain an in-depth understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of financial inclusion and sustainable economic growth.
– Condict an in-depth study of theories on financial innovation, cross-border banking and its relation to economic development.
– Increase your knowledge about the theory and practice of impact analyses in developing countries.Skills and Abilities
– Learn how to design randomized experiments to measure the impacts of financial inclusion interventions.
– Learn how to evaluate the inclusivity of financial products and build frameworks for designing inclusive financial products.Judgment and Approach
– Study the concept of financial inclusion and its role in economic growth.
– Analyze financial interventions, designs, innovations, and market types in relation to the growth and development of developing countries.
Main Speakers
Evaluation
Students are expected to do the readings provided and actively participate in the classroom discussions.
Course evaluations will depend on the student’s level.
