Mobile Money Expands Women’s Financial Inclusion Globally, But Regional Gaps Persist
According to new data from the World Bank’s Global Findex Database 2025, mobile money is playing a transformative role in expanding women’s access to financial services, particularly in developing economies. While digital financial tools have narrowed gender gaps in many regions, significant disparities remain depending on local infrastructure, regulation, and social norms.
The chart illustrates the percentage of adults aged 15 and above with financial accounts — whether through banks, mobile money, or both — across six major global regions (excluding high-income economies).
Sub-Saharan Africa Leads in Mobile Money Adoption
Sub-Saharan Africa stands out as the global leader in mobile money usage, with women holding a notably high share of mobile-only accounts (shown in pink). This region has pioneered mobile financial technology, driven by platforms such as M-Pesa and Airtel Money, which provide accessible and low-cost financial services even in rural areas. Despite a relatively small gender gap, men still have slightly higher account ownership overall.
Experts note that mobile money has become a powerful enabler of financial independence for women in Africa — helping them save, invest, and manage income without needing access to traditional banking systems.
Asia’s Expanding Digital Banking Ecosystem
In South Asia and East Asia & the Pacific, financial inclusion rates are high, largely driven by traditional banking institutions (blue sections of the bars). However, a growing share of adults — particularly in South Asia — now maintain both bank and mobile money accounts (purple).
For women in these regions, the expansion of mobile banking apps and digital wallets has reduced the barriers of distance, documentation, and cost that once limited their access to financial services. Still, gaps persist due to social and economic inequalities, especially in rural and conservative communities.
Latin America and the Caribbean Show Balanced Inclusion
In Latin America and the Caribbean, both men and women exhibit similar levels of financial inclusion. Here, digital banking rather than mobile-only systems has driven progress, with a large proportion of adults maintaining both bank and mobile money accounts. The spread of fintech companies and government-supported digital transfer programs has boosted financial access for women, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Middle East and North Africa Lag Behind
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region shows the lowest overall levels of account ownership for both women and men, with a clear gender disparity. Women’s participation in formal financial systems remains constrained by legal, cultural, and technological barriers. However, mobile money platforms are beginning to emerge as a promising solution to close the gender gap in access to finance.
Europe and Central Asia Maintain High Inclusion Levels
In Europe and Central Asia, both men and women show relatively high rates of bank account ownership, with limited reliance on mobile money. The gender gap in financial inclusion is relatively small, reflecting stronger institutional banking systems and more equitable access to digital financial tools.
A Global Push Toward Digital Equality
The World Bank’s findings underscore that mobile money is a key driver of gender equality in financial inclusion, particularly in regions where traditional banking infrastructure is limited. Yet, the data also reveals that true parity remains a work in progress.
To bridge the remaining gaps, experts recommend policies that promote digital literacy for women, enhance mobile network access, and ensure regulatory environments that support women’s financial autonomy.
As the 2025 Global Findex Database shows, the rise of mobile money has already reshaped global finance — turning mobile phones into gateways of empowerment for millions of women worldwide.
