PurposeThis research empirically investigates the evidence of the financial development and economic growth nexus in sub-Saharan Africa from 1995 to 2022.Design/methodology/approachA series of preliminary tests are conducted before using the two-stage estimated generalized least squares and robust least squares methods for the analysis. Two indices are constructed to measure financial development: one for the banking sector indicators and another for the market-based indicators (Ustarz and Fanta, 2021).FindingsThe results indicate that the banking sector index significantly impacts the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita positively. The market sector index has a negatively significant effect on the GDP per capita. Government expenditure has a positive impact on the GDP per capita.Research limitations/implicationsPolicymakers in sub-Saharan Africa should improve and implement finance–growth inclusive strategies that promote financial reforms and development to efficiently impact all population sectors. Policymakers should take stringent measures to ensure that the banking sector's development is sustainable to lead economic growth. The governments should strategize and promote capital market development using favorable listing rules for companies in the stock markets. Global stock market integration should be encouraged to diversify risks, increase public awareness, raise investors' confidence level and reduce stock market impediments like high taxes and regulatory barriers.Originality/valuePrevious study findings on the financial development and economic growth nexus are inconclusive and debatable. This study employs the financial development index approach.