Digital Financial Inclusion and Its Effect on the Growth of Microenterprises in Ecuador: A Post-Pandemic Empirical Analysis

Abstract

Digital financial inclusion has emerged as a key driver of microenterprise development in emerging economies. This study analyzes the impact of digital financial services on the growth of Ecuadorian microenterprises in the post-pandemic period. A quantitative, correlational, and cross-sectional design was applied, drawing on survey data from 300 microentrepreneurs in Guayaquil, Quito, and Cuenca. Descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression were used for data analysis. Findings indicate that 85% of microentrepreneurs use electronic wallets, 72% rely on mobile banking platforms, and 68% reported increased sales between 2021 and 2023. The regression results show that the use of digital services accounts for 42% of the variability in sales growth (p < 0.001), with electronic wallets exerting the strongest influence. The study concludes that digital financial inclusion significantly enhances the economic performance of microenterprises in Ecuador, although persistent challenges remain, particularly in financial literacy and unequal access to digital infrastructure. The study recommends implementing public policies that promote digital financial literacy and equitable access to financial technologies, thereby strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem and fostering a more inclusive economic recovery.