Advancing Lean Implementation for Improving Sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Literature Review

Abstract

This article aims to synthesize relevant literature underpinning the implementation of lean principles in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector. The focus is on the challenges and benefits to promoting lean application and sustainability efforts within the AEC sector in the sub-Saharan African region. The discourse centers on a descriptive analysis of the selected articles that specifically relate to the challenges and prospects of lean implementation in the AEC sector within the last six years. Findings from the literature review suggest that the prospects of lean applications by far surpass the challenging barriers. The limitations are mainly due to lack of appropriate knowledge on the specific application techniques for the construction tasks/processes. Furthermore, findings suggest that the implementation of lean principles promotes environmental sustainability, allows for refining construction processes to suit peculiarities, and encourages continuous improvements of processes, services, products, and stakeholders’ development. Specific contextual adaptations to address regional-based requirements for lean implementation are recommended.