Contribution of ICT to Economic Growth: Focusing on Financial Services in Rwanda from 2011 to 2015

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Contribution of ICT to Economic Growth: Focusing on Financial Services in Rwanda from 2011 to 2015

Vincent ISHIMWE

International Area Studies

Graduate School of International Studies

Seoul National University

This dissertation examines the contribution of ICT through financial deepening to Rwandas economic growth. The Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression and distributed lag models were used to test the hypothesis. A researcher used the GDP per capita growth as a proxy of economic growth

the value of ATM transactions and mobile banking are a proxy of ICT in financial services.

This study found a significant relationship between ICT use in financial services and financial deepening. Although the evidences indicated the emergence of ICT penetration in financial services, the result of this study did not approve the significant contribution of ICT to Rwandas economic growth. Analysis showed

that ICT in financial services is mostly directed to consumption rather than productivity and investment.

The major implication of this study is the potential benefit that Rwanda would grasp in terms of economic growth, if more attention is given to ICT in financial services policy reform. The study recommended some policies to encourage the use of ICT in more productive activities. Those policies will link ICT to financial deepening and economic growth.

Key Words: Rwandas economic growth, ICT, financial deepening.