Review of literature on funding mechanisms in Sub-Saharan Africa on road construction and operation

Many studies on road and highways construction and operation (RHCO) have been conducted by researchers worldwide over the years, but there has been no study to date whereby the findings from the previous articles have been extensively reviewed from a geographical perspective. Furthermore, the published articles have not been unanimous in their findings for the same region, further bringing into question the reliability of previous research. The aim of this study is to review previous research on the topic of RHCO to identify the reasons for the variation in the findings from a geographical perspective. From the previous articles, the authors focused on (a) understanding available funding mechanisms, (b) benefits/challenges in funding mechanisms and (c) recommendations to improve current funding mechanisms. The review has been conducted in accordance with the standard of the Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Co-ordinating Centre (EPPI) and follows a ‘preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis’ or ‘PRISMA’ model. The EPPI reviewer web software was used for data analysis and coding, studies identification, screening, eligibility check and final inclusion. The authors have prepared a cost/benefit analysis with recommendations summarizing the challenges faced in countries with poor economic conditions.