Selection of mobile payment systems for the bottom of the pyramid: methodology and application to the payment of energy provision in Ngäbe-Buglé

Financial inclusion remains a significant challenge, particularly in developing countries and among low-income populations. Mobile payments present a potential solution by offering affordable and secure financial services. This study investigates the selection of mobile payment technologies for the bottom-of-the-pyramid population and introduces a methodology tailored to their specific needs. The proposed approach includes a detailed analysis of user characteristics, geographic constraints, and a hierarchy of selection criteria. These criteria consist of three main decision elements—user base, technical features, and economic costs—along with five technical sub-elements: ease of integration, scalability, real-time operation capabilities, security, and provider trustworthiness. The methodology’s practical application is demonstrated through a case study in Panama’s Ngäbe-Buglé region, where mobile payments are being considered for energy provision services. The case study employs the analytic hierarchy process to prioritize criteria using responses from four different stakeholder groups. The findings highlight that while economic factors are critical, the size of the user base and technical aspects, such as solution scalability, also influence decision-making.