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This study investigates the relationship between the use of digital wallets and financial inclusion and economic empowerment in rural Pakistan. It also examines the mediating role of infrastructure development in these relations, while the moderating role of financial literacy is also addressed in the study. The research method adopted in the present study was quantitative. Data was collected from 476 respondents through an online questionnaire from a rural region of Pakistan, Dera Ghazi Khan. In the study, the positive relationship between the availability, usage, and control of digital wallets, inclusive access to finance, and the levels of economic development are evident from the results. Conversely, financial literacy did not act as a moderator to these relationships. The findings of this study revealed that infrastructure development moderates the effect that goes with the use of digital wallets in a positive way in terms of financial inclusion; nevertheless, it moderates the impact in a negative way when it comes to economic empowerment. These results indicate that despite the beneficial effects of digital wallets on financial access, the benefit arising from economic power may depend on the quality and accessibility of digital support. This paper offers vital information to policymakers, financial service firms, and development agents about the characteristics that affect the impact of digital financial services in enhancing financial access and economic opportunity among rural women in Pakistan. Future studies may investigate how digital wallet patterns change in the future and the quantitative and qualitative data of rural customers.
Salman et al. (Wed,) studied this question.