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This paper documents the long-term nature of technological innovations which have transformed retail finance and addressed financial exclusion. The paper also contributes to the body of literature on the state as an entrepreneur. The roots of financial inclusion are traced back to the 1960s with a discussion of the role played by the state, in contrast to that of the private sector and disruptive innovation. The case of the world-recognised mobile payment service M-Pesa, which has been credited with transforming access to financial services in Africa, is then examined. The empirical results suggest that the state was actively involved in the development and deployment of applications of information and communication technologies which led to M-Pesa. This study provides support for policies that promote mobile banking technology as a means of enhancing financial inclusion. The study also confirms that public-private partnerships, together with an enabling regulatory environment, facilitate technological innovation.

This article examines the impact of female independent directors on corporate risk taking during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings suggest that there is a negative relationship between female independent directors and corporate risk taking, indicating that female independent directors can effectively lower risks during this period. In addition, it is reported that the negative impact of female independent directors on firm risks is pronounced in the hospitality industry, as well as in regions with higher confirmed cases of COVID-19. Our results call for greater female independent directors' recruitment in the boardroom, yielding benefits of lowering firm risks during a crisis.