Abstract
Purpose: This study systematically explores how industrialization and policy interventions, alongside social,
technological, and economic dimensions, influence the transition toward sustainable green motorized transportation
in Africa. The objective is to provide an integrated understanding of the multi-level factors shaping the adoption
and scalability of environmentally friendly transport systems.
Design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review was conducted using the PRISMA framework,
encompassing 41 peer-reviewed studies published between 2015 and 2024. The analysis employed bibliometric
screening, thematic synthesis, and quality appraisal using MMAT and CASP to ensure methodological rigor and
minimize bias.
Findings: The review reveals that fragmented policy ecosystems, limited industrial capacity, and inadequate
stakeholder engagement are major barriers to green mobility transitions in Africa. Additionally, social acceptance,
technological readiness, and economic viability significantly influence the scalability of green motorized transport
initiatives. Case examples from Rwanda, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa demonstrate varying degrees of
progress and implementation gaps.
Research implications/limitations: The study provides a conceptual and theoretical synthesis that is useful for
future research. However, it is limited by the exclusion of grey literature and language restrictions to English, which
may omit relevant regional insights and policy documents published in other languages.
Practical implications: Policymakers should prioritize coordinated industrial-policy integration, stakeholder
engagement, and local innovation support. The findings offer a roadmap for African governments, private investors,
and development partners to design context-specific, inclusive, and financially viable green transportation
strategies.
Originality: This review makes a novel contribution by linking industrialization, policy, and multi-dimensional
enablers using the Socio-Technical Transitions Theory. It moves beyond siloed perspectives to propose an
integrated framework for understanding and operationalizing sustainable transportation in the African context.