DIGITAL FINANCE AS CATALYST FOR SUSTAINABLE INDIGENOUSENTREPRENEURSHIP: EVIDENCE FROM IMO STATE ONE KINDRED ONEBUSINESS INITIATIVE (OKOBI)

Abstract

This study examined the role of digital finance in bridging the financing gap faced by
indigenous entrepreneurship models in the Global South, with specific reference to the One
Kindred One Business Initiative (OKOBI) of Imo State, Nigeria. It examined how digital
finance facilitates access to finance, financial inclusion, promotes business sustainability,
and innovation within indigenous group-owned entrepreneurship models. A descriptive
survey research design was employed, targeting a sample of 112 officially registered OKOBI
enterprises selected from a population of 250 businesses across Imo State. Data were
collected using a structured and validated questionnaire, and analysed through descriptive
statistics including means, standard deviations, and percentages using SPSS version 25. The
results revealed that digital finance significantly improved access to credit, enhanced
financial inclusion, and fostered business innovation and sustainability among OKOBI
enterprises. However, infrastructural challenges, digital illiteracy, cybersecurity concerns,
and regulatory bottlenecks were identified as major obstacles to optimal digital finance
adoption. The study recommends tailored fintech innovations, literacy and capacity-building
initiatives, and enabling policy frameworks to strengthen digital finance integration in
indigenous entrepreneurship models. Limitations include the study’s focus on a single statelevel initiative, reliance on self-reported data, and the use of descriptive rather than
inferential statistical analysis, which restricts generalizability. Future studies should
incorporate cross-regional comparative analyses and econometric modelling to enhance
external validity.