Fintech transactions and micro-entrepreneurial performance in South Sudan: a case of MTN, in upper Nile state – South Sudan.

Abstract

Fintech has expanded access to digital financial services and created opportunities for microentrepreneurs through digital payments, digital credit and data-driven intelligence. However, the contribution of these services to micro-entrepreneurial performance in fragile and economically constrained settings remains insufficiently understood. This study examined Fintech adoption and the performance of micro-entrepreneurs in Malakal, South Sudan, focusing on digital payments, digital credit and data-driven intelligence. The study adopted a quantitative cross-sectional design. From a target population of 120 individuals, a sample of 92 participants comprising microentrepreneurs, mobile-money agents and Fintech service users was targeted. Of these, 89 completed the questionnaire, representing a response rate of 96.7%. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire with five-point Likert-scale items and analysed using frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations. Inferential analysis was not conducted because the available dataset did not preserve the original respondent-level relationships required for valid analysis of associations between Fintech adoption and entrepreneurial performance. The findings showed that respondents generally assessed digital payments positively, with an overall mean of 3.79. Data-driven intelligence received a mildly favorable assessment (mean = 3.42), particularly regarding the use of digital records to monitor business performance, support financial planning and improve competitiveness. Perceptions of digital credit were mixed, with an overall mean of 3.23. Entrepreneurial performance was generally rated positively (overall mean = 3.52), with operational performance recording the highest mean (3.77), followed by financial performance (3.46) and strategic performance (3.34). The main reported challenges were poor network connectivity (mean = 4.25), limited digital skills (mean = 4.19) and high transaction charges (mean = 3.63). The study concludes that fintech was perceived as a useful resource for business transactions, record keeping and selected business-management activities among the participating respondents. However, perceptions varied across fintech services, and the descriptive findings do not establish that fintech adoption caused improvements in entrepreneurial performance. The study recommends improving network connectivity, strengthening digital skills, promoting affordable financial services, enhancing the transparency and suitability of digital credit, and supporting the effective use of digital business information.