Abstract:
Purpose – The purpose of this study is to conduct a systematic review on encumbrances facing the
implementation of GBP in selected African countries. Green building practices (GBP) implementation is
germane and promotes the development of a green environment and buildings. Many studies have been
conducted on the encumbrances faced with GBP implementation, especially in developing countries. But
evidence of a comprehensive study that investigates and analyses these hindrances from different developing
countries is missing. Therefore, a systematic review is conducted systematically reviewing the current
literature on encumbrances facing the implementation of GBP in selected African countries. Also, the study
proffers possible drivers for stakeholders to promote GBP in African countries.
Design/methodology/approach – A total of 38 published papers were identified from the Web of
Science, Scopus database and supported with materials from Google Scholar related to Africa’s GBP. The
continent was divided into five regions, and each region covered three countries.
Findings – Two themes emerged from the analysed review – encumbrances facing GBP implementation
and possible drivers for stakeholders to promote GBP in African countries. A total of 18 encumbrances and 18
drivers were identified from the analysed literature and grouped into 6 sub-themes.
Research limitations/implications – Current empirical articles were reviewed to suggest the drivers for
stakeholders to promote GBP that emerged from this paper. Thus, to enrich the results from this paper, primary
source data of regional studies of GBP in Africa’s context should be carried out via the mixed-methods design.
Practical implications – A total of 18 drivers were identified for stakeholders to promote GBP in Africa
and form part of the paper’s implications. Also, the paper findings would serve as a treasured suggestion for
the stakeholders (policymakers, construction practitioners, clients and academics) who are fascinated by the
promotion of GBP across African nations.
Originality/value – This is possibly the foremost analysed systematic review study on GBP
implementation in Africa. Therefore, it fills the theoretical gap and proffers possible drivers for stakeholders
to promote GBP in the African context.
