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All Journal Help: Journal of Community Service
Ali Nuhu Abubakar
Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria
Humanities Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Public Health Social Sciences Other

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Enhancing Financial Inclusion and Community-Based Economic Resilience through Fintech Adoption among SMEs in Nigeria Ali Nuhu Abubakar; Maryam Rabi’u Zakariyya; Tijjani Lawan Ibrahim; Hafsat Garba Usman
Help: Journal of Community Service Vol. 3 No. 1 (2026): June 2026
Publisher : PT Agung Media Publisher

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.62569/hjcs.v3i1.244

Abstract

Financial inclusion remains a significant challenge for many Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria, particularly regarding access to formal financial services, digital financial literacy, and sustainable business financing. This community service program aimed to enhance financial inclusion and strengthen community-based economic resilience through the adoption of financial technology (Fintech) among SMEs. The program employed an Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) approach involving 50 SME owners from various business sectors. Activities included needs assessment, financial literacy training, Fintech workshops, hands-on demonstrations, individualized mentoring, and program evaluation. Quantitative data were collected through pre-test and post-test assessments and participant surveys, while qualitative data were obtained through interviews and focus group discussions. The results revealed substantial improvements in financial literacy and Fintech awareness, with average knowledge scores increasing from 52.1% to 83.9%. A total of 94% of participants successfully adopted at least one Fintech service, including digital payment platforms, mobile banking, e-wallets, and online financing applications. Furthermore, the program strengthened community-based economic resilience by fostering collaboration among SMEs, enhancing business networks, increasing access to financial information, and improving participants’ ability to respond to economic challenges. The discussion highlighted that the integration of financial literacy, Fintech adoption, and collaborative digital empowerment contributed not only to financial inclusion but also to the development of social capital and community resilience. The program demonstrates that community-based digital financial empowerment can serve as an effective strategy for promoting inclusive economic development and strengthening the sustainability of SMEs in developing economies.
Empowering Small Businesses Through Fintech Adoption in Cross Border Payments in Africa Ali Nuhu Abubakar; Hadiza Nasir Iro; Ummi Hafsat Akawu; Safiyya Shehu Ahmad
Help: Journal of Community Service Vol. 2 No. 4 (2026): March 2026
Publisher : PT Agung Media Publisher

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.62569/hjcs.v2i4.242

Abstract

The rapid growth of digital financial services presents new opportunities for enhancing cross-border trade and financial inclusion in Africa. This study aims to examine how fintech adoption can empower small businesses and improve cross-border payment systems within a community-based service framework. This community service initiative employed a Community-Based Research approach involving 30 participants, including small business actors, policymakers, and fintech practitioners across Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt, Rwanda, and South Africa. The program consisted of participatory training, technical assistance, and continuous mentoring. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, field observations, and participatory evaluation, and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that 83% of participants experienced improved transaction efficiency, while 76% reported increased access to financial services. Transaction costs decreased from 9.0% to 3.8% (57.78% reduction), and transaction time improved from 2–5 days to less than 24 hours, with 65% achieving real-time transactions. Additionally, 72% of participants reported increased confidence, and 68% reduced reliance on intermediaries. Challenges remain, including regulatory barriers (73%), limited internet access (60%), and low digital literacy (55%). The study confirms that fintech adoption significantly enhances operational efficiency, financial inclusion, and community empowerment. These findings align with key theoretical frameworks, including financial inclusion theory, transaction cost theory, and diffusion of innovation. However, structural challenges such as regulatory fragmentation and digital inequality must be addressed to ensure long-term sustainability. The study highlights the importance of integrating technological innovation with community-based approaches to achieve inclusive and sustainable economic development.
Operationalizing Digital Infrastructure for Nigerian SME Empowerment via Community-Based Service Learning Salisu Abdullahi; Maryam Muhammad Sabo; Ali Nuhu Abubakar; Hadiza Nasir Iro
Help: Journal of Community Service Vol. 2 No. 4 (2026): March 2026
Publisher : PT Agung Media Publisher

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.62569/hjcs.v2i4.243

Abstract

Despite national macroeconomic efforts to improve Nigeria's Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) through regulatory reforms and digital infrastructure investments, economic formalization remains inconsistent at the grassroots level. This stagnation is largely due to a significant gap in digital literacy and the underutilization of e-governance tools by micro, small, and medium enterprises (SMEs). This community service project aimed to bridge this macro-micro divide by operationalizing digital infrastructure to empower local SMEs through targeted digital capacity building. Utilizing a Community-Based Service Learning (CBSL) approach, the project integrated academic frameworks with practical community intervention. The program engaged 150 SME owners in Kano State, Nigeria. The intervention comprised a three-day intensive technical workshop followed by a one-month, one-on-one mentorship phase. Training focused on navigating online government business registration portals and integrating mobile digital payment systems. Program efficacy was evaluated utilizing pre- and post-intervention surveys alongside qualitative participant observations. The CBSL intervention yielded significant, measurable improvements in digital adoption and entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Post-intervention data indicated that 82% of participants successfully registered their enterprises online, compared to a baseline where only 18% possessed basic portal navigation skills. Additionally, the cohort demonstrated a 65% increase in the active adoption of mobile digital payment applications. Qualitatively, participants reported a 90% increase in confidence regarding regulatory compliance and formal business administration.
Co-Authors Hadiza Nasir Iro Hafsat Garba Usman Maryam Muhammad Sabo Maryam Rabi’u Zakariyya Safiyya Shehu Ahmad Salisu Abdullahi Tijjani Lawan Ibrahim Ummi Hafsat Akawu