Despite the potency of Financial Technology (FinTech) in facilitating financial inclusion, the determinants of the diffusion in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) remain intricate. Consequently, the study assesses the determinants of the diffusion of FinTech Payment Services (mobile money, card, and online payments) by SMEs in the context of Ghana. We sample 407 registered SMEs with the Association of Ghanaian Industries (AGI) and employ hierarchical logistic regression models to explore the multiplicative effects of SMEs Chief Executive Officers Characteristics (CEOC), Business Characteristics (BUSC), and FinTech Payment Service Characteristics (FPSC) on the Diffusion of FinTech Payment Services (DFPS). Consistent with the technology diffusion theories, the finding reveals that CEOC, BUSC, and FPSC altogether determines the DFPS in Ghanaian SMEs. Thus, the combined effects of human, business, and technology actors drive the DFPS in SMEs. Therefore, the optimal design of FinTech services is critical for mass diffusion by SMEs in emerging economies.

Blockchain has attracted attention within business circles because it promotes secure and cost-saving transactions between anonymous parties without human mediation. This study examines the Technological Organizational and Environmental (TOE) drivers of blockchain supply chain finance adoption in Ghanaian SMEs. Specifically, this study differs from prior studies employing the United Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) which ignores the TOE elements. Utilising the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling method (PLS-SEM) and nonlinear non-compensatory PLS-ANN approach, we provide empirical evidence using data from 214 registered SME members of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI). Our findings suggest that relative advantage, cost, and complexity significantly influence the adoption of blockchain supply chain finance in SMEs. However, competitive pressure, market dynamics, and SME owner/manager support had no statistically significant influence on the intention of SMEs to adopt blockchain supply chain finance. This is because of the relatively low adoption rate of blockchain applications in SMEs in the country. Therefore, extensive education on the applications of blockchain technology is required to stimulate diffusion amongst SMEs.

A phenomenon-based approach is used to learn more about how blockchain technology could improve Ghana’s economic sectors in terms of cost savings, efficiency, and reliability with reduced risks. With our proposed blockchain-enabled frameworks, we describe how blockchains’ Internet-of-Things (IoTs) and Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLTs) might reduce transaction, contract, and monitoring-related costs in the Agriculture & Agro-processing sector’s supply chains. We also demonstrate how Smart Contracts (SMCs) and Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLTs) can improve time and cost-based efficiencies in local procurements, logistic contract execution, and supply chains across the Mining & Minerals processing sector. With the help of IoTs, DLTs, and SMCs, information asymmetries in the finance sector can be reduced to improve the financing for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). The Technological-Organizational-Environmental (TOE) elements remain crucial in the adoption of blockchain technology. As a result, it’s critical to provide adequate frameworks for blockchain adoption.

The financial landscape of sub-Sahara Africa is undergoing major changes due to the advent of FinTech, which has seen mobile payments boom in the region. This paper examines the salient role of mobile payments in traditional banks’ drive toward financial accessibility in sub-Sahara Africa by using panel econometric approaches that consider the issues of independencies among cross-sectional residuals. Using data from the World Development Index (WDI) 2011–2017 on 11 countries in the region, empirical results from cross-sectional dependence (CD) tests, panel unit root test, panel cointegration test, and the fully modified ordinary least squares (FMOLS) approach indicates that (i) the panel time series data are cross-sectionally independent, (ii) the variables have the same order of integration and are cointegrated, and (iii) growth in mobile payment transactions had a significant positive relationship with formal account ownership, the number of ATMs, and number of new bank branches in the long-run. The paper therefore confirms that the institutional structure of traditional banks that makes them competitive, irrespective of emerging disruptive technologies, has stimulated overall financial accessibility in the region leading to overall sustainable growth in the financial sector. We conclude the paper with feasible policy suggestions.

Blockchain is projected to become essential in crowdfunding. However, diffusing this innovation in crowdfunding contracts raises practical concerns. Consequently, using data from a semi-systematic review, we develop a framework focusing on crowdfunding parties and the five perceived attributes of innovation diffusion to evaluate the possibility of diffusion in crowdfunding. Employing thematic analysis, we identify two possible modes for blockchain application in crowdfunding. Results indicate the technology offers superior relative advantage and compatibility for contracting parties. Nonetheless, fundraisers and investors could have potential diffusion complexities because of limited knowledge. Platforms face uncertainties over the degree of mediation and regulatory compliance. Further, trialability and observability issues cast doubts on the potential switch. Therefore, advanced stakeholder engagement and blockchain regulatory reform is required to expedite this switch.