The results indicate that Africa currently occupies a marginal position in the global research landscape on smart systems for environmental monitoring in smart cities. Scientific production in this field is largely dominated by countries such as China, India, the United States, and several European countries, while African countries do not appear among the leading contributors. In addition, the international collaboration network suggests that African countries such as Algeria and South Africa remain less integrated into the main global research clusters. This limited presence reflects low scientific visibility, weak institutional participation, and a limited role in international collaboration dynamics. Overall, Africa’s position in this field remains peripheral, despite the continent’s growing urban and environmental challenges and its strong potential for innovation in smart and sustainable city development.

The findings show that Africa holds a limited role in worldwide research focused on smart environmental monitoring systems for smart cities. Research output in this area is primarily led by nations like China, India, the United States, and various European countries, with African nations notably absent from the top contributing countries. Furthermore, analysis of international research partnerships reveals that African countries including Algeria and South Africa have minimal integration with major global research networks. This restricted involvement demonstrates poor scientific representation, limited institutional engagement, and a reduced presence in international research collaborations. Africa's standing in this research domain continues to be on the sidelines, even though the continent faces increasing urban and environmental pressures and possesses significant opportunities for advancing smart and sustainable urban development.