An integrated analysis of technology adoption, demographic moderators, and financial inclusion across generations in Egypt

Abstract This study examines the determinants of digital payment adoption across generational cohorts in Egypt, with particular attention to the interaction between digital transformation, technology acceptance constructs, and demographic moderators within Egypt’s rapidly evolving fintech ecosystem. Adopting a pragmatic mixed-methods design, the research integrates quantitative and qualitative approaches to capture both behavioural patterns and contextual explanations. Quantitatively, survey data collected from 406 Egyptians aged 18–75 (81.3% male, 18.7% female) were analyzed using structural equation modeling to test an integrated framework combining UTAUT2, the Technology Acceptance Model (PTS), and generational theory. The quantitative findings reveal that Effort Expectancy (β = 0.318) and Generational membership (β = 0.327) are the most influential predictors of digital payment usage. Generational effects significantly moderate adoption pathways, with Generation negatively moderating Facilitating Conditions (β = − 0.139) and positively moderating Social Influence (β = 0.131), indicating distinct mechanisms of adoption across age groups. While the sample includes both genders, the analysis focuses primarily on generational dynamics to inform inclusive digital policy. This study provides the first empirical evidence of generational moderation effects in Egyptian fintech adoption and demonstrates that digital payment diffusion requires age-sensitive, culturally grounded, and usability-focused interventions to advance financial inclusion and economic empowerment across all segments of society.