| dc.description.abstract |
As Islamic finance continues to expand globally, understanding its localized
implementation in emerging markets has become increasingly important. This
study investigates the determinants, challenges, and opportunities shaping the
performance of Interest-Free Banking (IFB) services in Jigjiga City, Ethiopia,
where the majority of the population adheres to Islamic financial principles. The
primary objective is to explore how institutional, customer related, product based,
and technological factors influence the effectiveness and sustainability of IFB
services in a culturally distinct and underserved market. To achieve this, a mixedmethods
research design was employed, combining quantitative analysis using
Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) based on survey
data from 98 IFB customers, with qualitative insights drawn from interviews with
bank managers and IFB officers. This integrative approach enables both empirical
measurement and contextual interpretation of the drivers behind IFB performance.
The quantitative findings reveal that institutional readiness, customer engagement,
and compliance with Sharia-based product design significantly enhance customer
satisfaction and service performance. In contrast, technological infrastructure had
a negligible effect, largely due to its similarity with conventional platforms and lack
of cultural adaptation. Qualitative data further revealed key challenges, including
staff unfamiliarity with local religious practices, limited access to standalone
Islamic digital services, and underutilization of strong latent demand for Shariacompliant
banking in the region. The study concludes that the success of IFB in
Jigjiga is driven less by technological advancement and more by ethical
compliance, cultural sensitivity, and institutional trust. Accordingly, it recommends
that banks adapt their services and staffing strategies to reflect the religious and
cultural values of their target communities, and avoid applying one size fits all
digital solutions that may lack local relevance. |
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