ABSTRACT
Financial inclusion has remained a priority on the sustainable economic development agenda for many developing nations. Youth are the future leaders and occupy an integral part of the economy. Although vibrant, youth must often shield numerous socio-economic challenges such as unemployment, low productivity, resource dependency, legal restrictions, financial illiteracy and limited access to financial services. More than 60% of Africa's youth are unemployed, and a significant portion often transition into adulthood without access to financial services. This is mainly because the youth are perceived as a high-risk and low-value sector. These challenges act as barriers to financial freedom and the economic emancipation of young people, exposing them to financial fragility compared with adults. This chapter explores the relationship between financial inclusion and youth empowerment in order to inform policymakers on possible interventions.
