Abstract
The rapid and massive adoption of mobile money transfer (MMT) services in East Africa, particularly in Kenya, stands in stark contrast to historically low use of formal financial systems on the continent. Its ‘fertile grounds’ therefore require in depth analysis to understand the implications for African financial systems. This paper argues for the need to examine the underlying conceptual environment that enables low income and poor people’s MMT adoption. It innovatively combines anthropological with ethnolinguistic analytical approaches to distinguish two repertoires around resource exchange. First, is a relational financial repertoire where relationships are developed and consolidated to create support and ‘upliftment’. A contrasting resource-focussed repertoire is more alike that of the formal financial sector. Identifying the conceptual features of relationality, the study offers a new perspective on the adoption and use of MMT in Africa and highlights the potential for disjunctures with policy efforts to increase financial inclusion.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 569-594 |
| Number of pages | 26 |
| Journal | The Journal of Modern African Studies |
| Volume | 56 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| Early online date | 26 Nov 2018 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 31 Dec 2018 |
Keywords
- mobile money
- Africa
- exchange networks
- gifts
- Financial Inclusion
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Social Sciences
Access to Document
- Upliftment_final_290518.PDF
This article has been published in Journal of Modern African Studies, https://doi.org/10.1017/S0022278X18000435. This version is free to view and download for private research and study only. Not for re-distribution, re-sale or use in derivative works. (C) Cambridge University Press, 2018.