Help: Journal of Community Service
Vol. 3 No. 1 (2026): June 2026

Enhancing Financial Inclusion and Community-Based Economic Resilience through Fintech Adoption among SMEs in Nigeria

Ali Nuhu Abubakar (Maryam Abacha American University of Nigeria)
Maryam Rabi’u Zakariyya (Kano State College of Education and Preliminary Studies)
Tijjani Lawan Ibrahim (Kano State College of Education and Preliminary Studies)
Hafsat Garba Usman (Kano State College of Education and Preliminary Studies)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Jun 2026

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.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

hjcs

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Public Health Social Sciences Other

Description

The focus and scope of Help: Journal of Community Service (HJCS) encompass a broad range of academic disciplines, reflecting the journal’s commitment to interdisciplinary research and practice in community service. HJCS invites contributions from all fields of study. The journal seeks to publish ...