PUBLIC BANKING AND FINANCIAL INCLUSION IN ALGERIA: THE CASE OF BDL

This study examines how the Banque de Développement Local (BDL) has contributed to financial inclusion across four wilayas in western Algeria from 2022 to 2024. Using detailed data from local agencies, the research evaluates four key dimensions: access, usage, quality, and innovation. It looks at indicators like account openings, credit distribution, savings trends, and the adoption of digital financial services. The results show notable progress in expanding access and building trust in financial services. However, deeper financial engagement, especially lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and encouraging investment-driven savings remains limited. While BDL has made strides in social outreach, its role in driving broader economic transformation is still modest. The study suggests that future efforts should focus on improving access to enterprise financing, diversifying financial services, and promoting digital literacy and behavior change. These steps are crucial for translating financial participation into long-term, sustainable development. The findings highlight how regional public banks like BDL can play a pivotal role in inclusive economic growth, particularly in emerging economies.