Evaluating ISO Standards in Blockchain. A systematic Review of Africa.

Abstract

Introduction: Blockchain technology offers a promising foundation for secure, transparent, and decentralised data sharing across sectors such as healthcare, finance, education, and governance. To support its responsible adoption, ISO/TC 307 provides standards for blockchain terminology, privacy, architecture, and interoperability. However, the relevance and applicability of these standards remain underexplored in African contexts, where infrastructural, legal, and institutional conditions often differ from those assumed in global frameworks. This study systematically evaluated the suitability of key ISO blockchain standards for secure data sharing in Africa, drawing on PRISMA-guided evidence from 30 studies published between 2018 and 2025.

Objectives: This study evaluates ISO standards related to blockchain-based data sharing, highlighting their strengths, limitations, and alignment with the need of developing regions, especially Africa.

Methods: A systematic literature review (SLR) was carried out, focusing on peer-reviewed studies published between 2018 and 2025. Databases included IEEE Xplore, SpringerLink, ScienceDirect, and Taylor & Francis Online. The PRISMA framework guided the screening process, yielding 30 final studies for thematic analysis.

Results: Standards such as ISO 22739, ISO/TR 23244, and ISO/TS 23258 provide foundational guidance on terminology and privacy but lack detailed implementation support for decentralised, low-resource settings. Adoption in Africa is limited by regulatory misalignment and insufficient sector-specific frameworks.

Conclusions: ISO blockchain standards require refinement with clearer, context-aware guidance to meet Africa’s unique infrastructural and legal needs. The study contributes theoretical and practical insights to improve ISO standard design and adoption for secure data sharing in developing regions.