Systematic Literature Review on Blockchain Adoption in Global South

Authors

Rethabile Modise, University of Cape Town, South Africa

Salah Kabanda, University of Cape Town, South Africa

Published in

IST-Africa 2026 Conference Proceedings

ISSN: 2576-8581

ISBN: 978-1-905824-76-2

DOI: https://doi.org/tbc

Publisher

IST-Africa Institute and IIMC International Information Management Corporation Ltd

Published in Ireland

Abstract

Despite blockchain's potential to address development challenges including institutional weakness and financial exclusion, adoption rates remain low, with most pilots failing to scale beyond proof of concept. This systematic literature review examined blockchain adoption across Global South economies through analysis of 41 peer-reviewed studies published (2020-2025) using PRISMA guidelines and thematic analysis. Analysis show that adoption is conceptualised through strategic coordination frameworks (Game Theory: 32% of studies) rather than individual adoption models, with regulatory uncertainty as the primary barrier (54%) and transparency/traceability as key drivers (65%). Only 2 in 41 studies conducted primary African data collection, revealing critical empirical gaps. For African contexts, findings suggest prioritising regulatory harmonization through regional bodies (AU, RECs), multi-stakeholders consortia addressing coordination challenges, and sectoral focus on agriculture, land registries, and remittances where transparency benefits align with institutional development needs ad existing mobile money infrastructure.

Keywords

Blockchain Technology, Global South, Technology Adoption, Systematic Review, Developing Economies

Cite this paper

R. Modise and S. Kabanda (2026) "Systematic Literature Review on Blockchain Adoption in Global South", IST-Africa 2026 Conference Proceedings, Miriam Cunningham and Paul Cunningham (Eds), IST-Africa Institute and IIMC, 2026, ISSN: 2576-8581, ISBN: 978-1-905824-76-2, https://doi.org/tbc

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