MODELLING THE CAUSAL STRUCTURE OF FINANCIAL INCLUSION BARRIERS IN MOROCCO: A DELPHI–FUZZY DEMATEL APPROACH

Mustapha ZIKY; Asma IDALI

Article Details

MODELLING THE CAUSAL STRUCTURE OF FINANCIAL INCLUSION BARRIERS IN MOROCCO: A DELPHI–FUZZY DEMATEL APPROACH

Authors:

Mustapha ZIKY | Asma IDALI

Publisher:

مجلة الدراسات المتعددة التخصصات في العلوم الاقتصادية والاجتماعية

Journal:

Revue des Études Multidisciplinaires en Sciences Économiques et Sociales Vol.11 Issue 2, pp.213-243

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

12/2026

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001841469

pISSN:

2489-2068

Abstract:

 Objective: Despite Morocco’s progress under the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS 2019–2030), persistent barriers continue to restrict equitable access to formal financial services. Understanding how these barriers interact is critical to achieving inclusive and sustainable development goals. This study aims to identify, classify, and model the causal relationships among key financial inclusion barriers in Morocco, providing a systems-based framework for policy action. Methods: A three-round Delphi survey was conducted with a panel of Moroccan and international experts in financial inclusion, banking, and digital finance. The validated factors were analyzed using the fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (fuzzy DEMATEL) method, which integrates causal analysis with fuzzy logic to manage uncertainty in expert assessments. Sensitivity analysis, was performed to assess model robustness. Results: The analysis identified institutional quality, digital infrastructure, and financial literacy as the dominant causal factors influencing other dimensions of inclusion, including affordability, trust, and accessibility. Gender inequality, socio-cultural norms, and digital literacy gaps emerged as dependent barriers amplified by systemic weaknesses. Conclusion: Enhancing financial inclusion in Morocco requires targeted investment in digital infrastructure, improved governance coordination, and expanded financial education programs. The integration of Delphi and fuzzy DEMATEL methods offers a replicable framework for exploring complex interdependencies in financial inclusion systems across developing economies. Keywords: Financial inclusion; fuzzy DEMATEL; Delphi method; Morocco; digital finance; causal modelling.

Article Details

MODELLING THE CAUSAL STRUCTURE OF FINANCIAL INCLUSION BARRIERS IN MOROCCO: A DELPHI–FUZZY DEMATEL APPROACH

Authors: Mustapha ZIKY | Asma IDALI

Publisher: مجلة الدراسات المتعددة التخصصات في العلوم الاقتصادية والاجتماعية

Journal: Revue des Études Multidisciplinaires en Sciences Économiques et Sociales Vol.11 Issue 2, pp.213-243

Document Type: Article

Publication Date: 12/2026

Document Language: English

Document ID (Org No.): 2001841469

pISSN: 2489-2068

Issues

Authors:

Mustapha ZIKY | Asma IDALI

Publisher:

مجلة الدراسات المتعددة التخصصات في العلوم الاقتصادية والاجتماعية

Journal:

Revue des Études Multidisciplinaires en Sciences Économiques et Sociales Vol.11 Issue 2, pp.213-243

Document Type:

Article

Publication Date:

12/2026

Document Language:

English

Document ID (Org No.):

2001841469

pISSN:

2489-2068