A Systematic Review of Internet of Things (IoT) Applications in Sustainable Project Management in Ethiopia
Main Article Content
Abstract
The rapid advancement of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies has created significant opportunities for sustainable project management in developing countries, including Ethiopia. As Ethiopia advances initiatives such as the Digital Ethiopia 2030 strategy, smart city programs, and climate-resilient development policies, IoT integration has become increasingly important in infrastructure, agriculture, energy, and environmental management. This systematic review examines the current applications, benefits, and challenges of IoT in sustainable project management within the Ethiopian context. The study employed a structured review methodology using academic databases, institutional repositories, government publications, and peer-reviewed literature. A total of 23 relevant studies and policy documents were critically analyzed using thematic synthesis approaches to identify sectoral applications, sustainability contributions, and implementation barriers. The findings indicate that IoT applications in Ethiopia are concentrated in construction and infrastructure, agriculture, energy systems, and environmental monitoring. IoT technologies improve economic sustainability through operational efficiency, resource optimization, and reduced maintenance costs. Environmental sustainability benefits include real-time monitoring of ecosystems, efficient resource utilization, and climate resilience. Social sustainability outcomes involve enhanced food security, infrastructure safety, and public service reliability. However, adoption remains constrained by inadequate infrastructure, high implementation costs, limited technical expertise, cybersecurity concerns, and weak institutional coordination. The study concludes that IoT technologies possess substantial potential to support sustainable development in Ethiopia. The review recommends increased investment in digital infrastructure, technical capacity building, localized innovation, and stronger regulatory and cybersecurity frameworks.
Article Details
Section
Articles
References
Addis Media Network. (2025, December 26). Digital Ethiopia 2030 turns Addis Ababa’s smart city plan into reality. https://www.amn.gov.et/en/digital-ethiopia-2030-turns-addis-ababas-smart-city-plan-into-reality/[reference:0]
Alemayehu, S. (2025). Turning drought warnings into action in Ethiopia. Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT. https://alliancebioversityciat.org/stories/satellites-soil-turning-drought-warnings-action-ethiopia-drylands[reference:1]
Ali Mohammed, A. (2024). Mega corruptions in mega projects: Debating the dynamics of dam construction in Ethiopia. F1000Research, 13, 1179. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.155561.1
Alsamhi, S. H., Ma, O., & Ansari, M. S. (2025). Blockchain-based framework for construction regulations monitoring. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management. https://doi.org/10.1109/TEM.2025.3520341
Asefa, Y. (2024). Evaluating the influence of technology on project development and administration in Ethiopia [Master’s thesis, St. Mary’s University]. St. Mary’s University Institutional Repository. http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/8405
Beverungen, D., Müller, O., Matzner, M., Mendling, J., & vom Brocke, J. (2019). Integration von smarten Produkten und Dienstleistungen im IoT-Zeitalter: Ein graphbasierter Entwicklungsansatz. HMD Praxis der Wirtschaftsinformatik, 56(6), 1207–1225. https://doi.org/10.1365/s40702-019-00575-2
Demeke, C. S. (2025). Critical success factors and the integration of intelligent construction technologies in road projects: Evidence from Dessie, Ethiopia. Journal of Intelligent Construction. https://doi.org/10.26599/JIC.2025.9180106[reference:3][reference:4]
Demeke, D., Gebremedhin, A., & Tadesse, M. (2026). Smart meters for firms in Ethiopia: Evidence from a randomised experiment. International Growth Centre. https://www.theigc.org/publications/smart-meters-firms-ethiopia-evidence-randomised-experiment[reference:5]
Digital Ethiopia 2030. (2025). Digital Ethiopia 2030 strategy: Harnessing AI, IoT, and blockchain for inclusive growth. FDRE Ministry of Innovation and Technology.
ENA (Ethiopian News Agency). (2024, October 3). DPM Temesgen launches Nat’l Corruption Crime Reporting Digital System (NCRS). https://www.ena.et/web/eng/w/eng_5235593
ENA (Ethiopian News Agency). (2025, August 26). Ethiopia triumphs at 2025 BRICS skills contest, committed to intensify support: Ministry. https://www.ena.et/web/eng/w/eng_7205354
Ethiopian Auditor General. (2024). *Annual audit report on federal government accounts for the 2022/23 fiscal year*. Office of the Auditor General.
Ethiopian Press Agency. (2024, December 13). Corruption reporting improves since digital system introduction: Commission. Press.et. https://press.et
Ethiopian Space Science and Geospatial Institute. (2024, August 26). Digital address system agreement signed for Bahir Dar. https://ssgi.gov.et/amp/digital-address-system-agreement-signed-for-bahir-dar/[reference:7]
FDRE Ministry of Agriculture. (2025, May 23). User-centered water and pasture monitoring and early warning system training has been held. https://www.moa.gov.et/user-centered-water-and-pasture-monitoring-and-early-warning-system-training-has-been-held/[reference:8]
FDRE Ministry of Innovation and Technology. (2025). Digital Ethiopia 2030: Implementation progress report.
FEACC (Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission). (2025). Irrigation and lowland areas sectoral irrigation projects contract administration accountability and responsibility study. FEACC Publications.
Fenta, T. G., Desta, E. T., & Fayaz, F. (2025). Wireless sensor network node deployment strategy in the case of Ethio-Djibouti railway. Bahir Dar University Journal of Engineering and Technology, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.20372/pjet.v3i1.1877[reference:9]
FurtherAfrica. (2025, March 26). Ethiopia’s Deputy PM calls for tech-driven modernisation in anti-corruption fight. https://furtherafrica.com/2025/03/26/ethiopias-deputy-pm-calls-for-tech-driven-modernisation-in-anti-corruption-fight/
Garuma, G. (2021). Monitoring environmental conditions for urban trees plantation and growth using Internet of Things (IoT): The case of Green Legacy Program [Master’s thesis, St. Mary’s University]. St. Mary’s University Institutional Repository. http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/6230[reference:10]
Gbadamosi, A.-Q., Oyedele, L., Delgado, J. M. D., Kusimo, H., Akanbi, L., Olawale, O., & Muhammed-Yakubu, N. (2025). AIoT-powered drones in the construction industry: A review. Automation in Construction, 169, 105828. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2025.105828
Gebremedhin, T., Alemu, B., & Demissie, T. (2024). Transforming agriculture with Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and IoT: Perspectives from Ethiopia—challenges and opportunities. Discover Agriculture, 2, Article 63. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44279-024-00066-7[reference:11]
INSA (Information Network Security Administration). (2025, October 7). Ethiopian Construction Authority officially launches Construction Regulation Information System in collaboration with INSA. https://insa.gov.et
KIT (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology). (2023, June 22). Smart e Meter. Institute of Information Processing Technology. https://www.itiv.kit.edu/english/294_10522.php[reference:12]
KIT (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology). (2026, March 4). MoU signing between EEU, GIZ, and KIT. Institute of Information Processing Technology. https://www.itiv.kit.edu/english/11360.php[reference:13]
KIT (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology). (2025). MoRaU – Monitoring and modelling of urbanization in sub-Saharan Africa. Institute of Information Processing Technology. https://www.itiv.kit.edu/english/294_11228.php[reference:14]
Lehner, M., & Stork, W. (2024). Application and use-cases for a smart distribution grid in developing countries. In Proceedings of the 2024 International Conference on Electrical and Computer Engineering Researches (ICECER) (pp. 1–6). Gaborone, Botswana. IEEE. https://publikationen.bibliothek.kit.edu/1000181713[reference:15]
Li, Y., Zhang, J., & Wang, H. (2025). Smart infrastructure systems: A review of IoT-enabled monitoring and automation in civil and agricultural engineering. Journal of Infrastructure Systems, 31(2), 04025008. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)IS.1943-555X.0000892
Mbewe, A. S. (2018). Railway infrastructure monitoring using wireless sensor networks [Master’s thesis, Addis Ababa University]. Addis Ababa University Institutional Repository.
Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure. (2025). Construction industry transformation initiative: Ease of doing business reform framework in construction sector. Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. https://mui.gov.et
Moher, D., Liberati, A., Tetzlaff, J., & Altman, D. G. (2009). Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: The PRISMA statement. PLoS Medicine, 6(7), e1000097.
Oke, A. E., Aigbavboa, C. O., & Mabena, S. (2024). Internet of things (IoT) for safety and efficiency in construction building site operations. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-09-2023-0423
Sadeghi, J., Ahmadi, A., & Phipps, R. (2026). Internet of things in construction: Trends and adoption insights from a scientometric perspective. International Journal of Construction Management, 26(1), 113–130. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2025.2494472
Solomon, D. D. (2024). Challenges of IoT adoption in developing countries: A case study of Ethiopia. In Proceedings of the 2024 IEEE DELCON Conference. IEEE. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10867084/[reference:17]
Tesfaye, B., Alemu, M., & Demissie, T. (2025). Digital technologies and trade facilitation in Ethiopia: A mixed-methods analysis of blockchain, AI, and IoT adoption. Journal of African Business, 26(2), 245–267. https://doi.org/10.1080/15228916.2025.2156341
The Reporter Ethiopia. (2025, July 19). Unchecked privilege: Divisive directive casts doubt on integrity in public procurement. The Reporter Ethiopia. https://www.thereporterethiopia.com
The Reporter Ethiopia. (2025, October 4). The pitfalls of exploiting mega projects for political mileage. The Reporter Ethiopia. https://www.thereporterethiopia.com/47274/
Tighnavard, A. B., & Sher, W. (2026). A systematic literature review of Internet of Things (IoT) applications in sustainable construction project management. Sustainability, 18(5), 2614. https://doi.org/10.3390/su18052614
TrendsNAfrica. (2026, March 9). Ethiopia streamlines public procurement system. https://trendsnafrica.com
Wuletaw, Z., Ababu, K., & Birhanie, W. (2022). Smart farming using IoT and machine learning in Jimma city Jiren kebele [Master’s thesis, Jimma University]. Jimma University Institutional Repository. https://repository.ju.edu.et//handle/123456789/7874
Zhou, C., Ding, L., & Luo, H. (2025). Predictive digital monitoring of construction resources: An integrated digital twin solution. Automation in Construction, 160, 105678. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2025.105678
6Wresearch. (2025). Ethiopia IoT in commercial construction market (2025–2030). 6Wresearch Market Intelligence.
Alemayehu, S. (2025). Turning drought warnings into action in Ethiopia. Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT. https://alliancebioversityciat.org/stories/satellites-soil-turning-drought-warnings-action-ethiopia-drylands[reference:1]
Ali Mohammed, A. (2024). Mega corruptions in mega projects: Debating the dynamics of dam construction in Ethiopia. F1000Research, 13, 1179. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.155561.1
Alsamhi, S. H., Ma, O., & Ansari, M. S. (2025). Blockchain-based framework for construction regulations monitoring. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management. https://doi.org/10.1109/TEM.2025.3520341
Asefa, Y. (2024). Evaluating the influence of technology on project development and administration in Ethiopia [Master’s thesis, St. Mary’s University]. St. Mary’s University Institutional Repository. http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/8405
Beverungen, D., Müller, O., Matzner, M., Mendling, J., & vom Brocke, J. (2019). Integration von smarten Produkten und Dienstleistungen im IoT-Zeitalter: Ein graphbasierter Entwicklungsansatz. HMD Praxis der Wirtschaftsinformatik, 56(6), 1207–1225. https://doi.org/10.1365/s40702-019-00575-2
Demeke, C. S. (2025). Critical success factors and the integration of intelligent construction technologies in road projects: Evidence from Dessie, Ethiopia. Journal of Intelligent Construction. https://doi.org/10.26599/JIC.2025.9180106[reference:3][reference:4]
Demeke, D., Gebremedhin, A., & Tadesse, M. (2026). Smart meters for firms in Ethiopia: Evidence from a randomised experiment. International Growth Centre. https://www.theigc.org/publications/smart-meters-firms-ethiopia-evidence-randomised-experiment[reference:5]
Digital Ethiopia 2030. (2025). Digital Ethiopia 2030 strategy: Harnessing AI, IoT, and blockchain for inclusive growth. FDRE Ministry of Innovation and Technology.
ENA (Ethiopian News Agency). (2024, October 3). DPM Temesgen launches Nat’l Corruption Crime Reporting Digital System (NCRS). https://www.ena.et/web/eng/w/eng_5235593
ENA (Ethiopian News Agency). (2025, August 26). Ethiopia triumphs at 2025 BRICS skills contest, committed to intensify support: Ministry. https://www.ena.et/web/eng/w/eng_7205354
Ethiopian Auditor General. (2024). *Annual audit report on federal government accounts for the 2022/23 fiscal year*. Office of the Auditor General.
Ethiopian Press Agency. (2024, December 13). Corruption reporting improves since digital system introduction: Commission. Press.et. https://press.et
Ethiopian Space Science and Geospatial Institute. (2024, August 26). Digital address system agreement signed for Bahir Dar. https://ssgi.gov.et/amp/digital-address-system-agreement-signed-for-bahir-dar/[reference:7]
FDRE Ministry of Agriculture. (2025, May 23). User-centered water and pasture monitoring and early warning system training has been held. https://www.moa.gov.et/user-centered-water-and-pasture-monitoring-and-early-warning-system-training-has-been-held/[reference:8]
FDRE Ministry of Innovation and Technology. (2025). Digital Ethiopia 2030: Implementation progress report.
FEACC (Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission). (2025). Irrigation and lowland areas sectoral irrigation projects contract administration accountability and responsibility study. FEACC Publications.
Fenta, T. G., Desta, E. T., & Fayaz, F. (2025). Wireless sensor network node deployment strategy in the case of Ethio-Djibouti railway. Bahir Dar University Journal of Engineering and Technology, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.20372/pjet.v3i1.1877[reference:9]
FurtherAfrica. (2025, March 26). Ethiopia’s Deputy PM calls for tech-driven modernisation in anti-corruption fight. https://furtherafrica.com/2025/03/26/ethiopias-deputy-pm-calls-for-tech-driven-modernisation-in-anti-corruption-fight/
Garuma, G. (2021). Monitoring environmental conditions for urban trees plantation and growth using Internet of Things (IoT): The case of Green Legacy Program [Master’s thesis, St. Mary’s University]. St. Mary’s University Institutional Repository. http://hdl.handle.net/123456789/6230[reference:10]
Gbadamosi, A.-Q., Oyedele, L., Delgado, J. M. D., Kusimo, H., Akanbi, L., Olawale, O., & Muhammed-Yakubu, N. (2025). AIoT-powered drones in the construction industry: A review. Automation in Construction, 169, 105828. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2025.105828
Gebremedhin, T., Alemu, B., & Demissie, T. (2024). Transforming agriculture with Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and IoT: Perspectives from Ethiopia—challenges and opportunities. Discover Agriculture, 2, Article 63. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44279-024-00066-7[reference:11]
INSA (Information Network Security Administration). (2025, October 7). Ethiopian Construction Authority officially launches Construction Regulation Information System in collaboration with INSA. https://insa.gov.et
KIT (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology). (2023, June 22). Smart e Meter. Institute of Information Processing Technology. https://www.itiv.kit.edu/english/294_10522.php[reference:12]
KIT (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology). (2026, March 4). MoU signing between EEU, GIZ, and KIT. Institute of Information Processing Technology. https://www.itiv.kit.edu/english/11360.php[reference:13]
KIT (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology). (2025). MoRaU – Monitoring and modelling of urbanization in sub-Saharan Africa. Institute of Information Processing Technology. https://www.itiv.kit.edu/english/294_11228.php[reference:14]
Lehner, M., & Stork, W. (2024). Application and use-cases for a smart distribution grid in developing countries. In Proceedings of the 2024 International Conference on Electrical and Computer Engineering Researches (ICECER) (pp. 1–6). Gaborone, Botswana. IEEE. https://publikationen.bibliothek.kit.edu/1000181713[reference:15]
Li, Y., Zhang, J., & Wang, H. (2025). Smart infrastructure systems: A review of IoT-enabled monitoring and automation in civil and agricultural engineering. Journal of Infrastructure Systems, 31(2), 04025008. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)IS.1943-555X.0000892
Mbewe, A. S. (2018). Railway infrastructure monitoring using wireless sensor networks [Master’s thesis, Addis Ababa University]. Addis Ababa University Institutional Repository.
Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure. (2025). Construction industry transformation initiative: Ease of doing business reform framework in construction sector. Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. https://mui.gov.et
Moher, D., Liberati, A., Tetzlaff, J., & Altman, D. G. (2009). Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: The PRISMA statement. PLoS Medicine, 6(7), e1000097.
Oke, A. E., Aigbavboa, C. O., & Mabena, S. (2024). Internet of things (IoT) for safety and efficiency in construction building site operations. Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-09-2023-0423
Sadeghi, J., Ahmadi, A., & Phipps, R. (2026). Internet of things in construction: Trends and adoption insights from a scientometric perspective. International Journal of Construction Management, 26(1), 113–130. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2025.2494472
Solomon, D. D. (2024). Challenges of IoT adoption in developing countries: A case study of Ethiopia. In Proceedings of the 2024 IEEE DELCON Conference. IEEE. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/10867084/[reference:17]
Tesfaye, B., Alemu, M., & Demissie, T. (2025). Digital technologies and trade facilitation in Ethiopia: A mixed-methods analysis of blockchain, AI, and IoT adoption. Journal of African Business, 26(2), 245–267. https://doi.org/10.1080/15228916.2025.2156341
The Reporter Ethiopia. (2025, July 19). Unchecked privilege: Divisive directive casts doubt on integrity in public procurement. The Reporter Ethiopia. https://www.thereporterethiopia.com
The Reporter Ethiopia. (2025, October 4). The pitfalls of exploiting mega projects for political mileage. The Reporter Ethiopia. https://www.thereporterethiopia.com/47274/
Tighnavard, A. B., & Sher, W. (2026). A systematic literature review of Internet of Things (IoT) applications in sustainable construction project management. Sustainability, 18(5), 2614. https://doi.org/10.3390/su18052614
TrendsNAfrica. (2026, March 9). Ethiopia streamlines public procurement system. https://trendsnafrica.com
Wuletaw, Z., Ababu, K., & Birhanie, W. (2022). Smart farming using IoT and machine learning in Jimma city Jiren kebele [Master’s thesis, Jimma University]. Jimma University Institutional Repository. https://repository.ju.edu.et//handle/123456789/7874
Zhou, C., Ding, L., & Luo, H. (2025). Predictive digital monitoring of construction resources: An integrated digital twin solution. Automation in Construction, 160, 105678. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2025.105678
6Wresearch. (2025). Ethiopia IoT in commercial construction market (2025–2030). 6Wresearch Market Intelligence.