Digital financial Inclusion as a tool for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in South Asia
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Abstract
This article has highlighted the different aspects of digital financial inclusion (DFI) by taking the economic status of south Asian countries into consideration. Digital financial inclusion (DFI) has become a key driver of inclusive growth and a policy instrument for advancing the sustainable development Goals (SDGs), particularly in South Asia, where financial exclusion and poverty remain widespread. The research gab while prior studies examine financial inclusion or the SDGs independently, limited research provides an integrated analytical assessment of how DFI contributes to SDG achievement in South Asian economies. This study employs a secondary qualitative research design using a systematic thematic analysis of selected empirical and review studies. A structured quality review and thematic coding approach were applied to identify key patterns liking DFI, economic conditions, and sustainable development outcomes. The findings indicate that digital financial inclusion significantly enhances access to formal financial services, supports poverty reduction, and promotes economic participation. Moreover, effective DFI implementation contributes directly or indirectly to achieving up to 13 of 17 SDGs, particularly those related to poverty alleviation, education, institutional instability, and implementation challenges limit its overall impact. This study offers an integrated analytical framework highlighting DFI as a strategic tool for advancing the SDGs in South Asia, providing policy-relevant insights for regulators and development.
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