1. Mobile Phones and Financial Services in Developing Countries A Research Review
Richard Duncombe & Richard Boateng
Centre for Development Informatics
University of Manchester, UK
Centre for Development Informatics

2. Research Overview:
Aim of Research: to review research undertaken between 2000 and 2008 concerning mobile phones and financial services (m-finance) in developing countries – identifying strengths and weaknesses in relation to key issues and evidence, as well as conceptual and methodological approach.
Research Undertaken: 43 research articles were reviewed across social and technical disciplines, and categorised according to a ‘temporal lifecycle’ model spanning needs assessment, design, adoption and impact and level of focus, as well as broader conceptual and methodological spectra – identifying key gaps in research.

3. Research Findings
Academic Finding: Community needs assessment and social impact of m-finance is under researched, whilst design and adoption studies utilising business and innovation theories/models predominate.
Practical Recommendation: Greater emphasis on integrating m-finance research into mainstream research concerning micro-financial services and finance for the poor, emphasising greater understanding of financial service practices and behaviours, and the utility of m-finance solutions within a broader analysis of choice concerning available technologies and organisational forms – for financial service delivery.

4. Further Information
For the full range of analysis and findings see: Duncombe, R. & Boateng, R. (2009) ‘Mobile phones and financial services in developing countries: A review of concepts, methods, issues, evidence and future research directions’, Centre for Development Informatics Working Paper No.37, IDPM, University of Manchester,
Also: Third World Quarterly, 30(7)2009 [in-press].