This study examines Africa’s position in research on smart systems for environmental monitoring in smart cities through a bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature. Publications indexed in the Scopus database between 2020 and 2025 were analyzed using Bibliometrix/Biblioshiny and VOSviewer. After applying eligibility criteria related to publication period, language, document type, and disciplinary relevance, 19,509 publications were retained for analysis. The study evaluated publication trends, leading authors, institutions, country contributions, collaboration patterns, and keyword co-occurrence. The findings indicate sustained growth in research on smart environmental monitoring, driven by advances in embedded systems, Internet of Things technologies, sensor networks, and artificial intelligence. Scientific output is strongly concentrated in North America, Europe, and Asia, with China, the United States, and India emerging as the leading contributors. In contrast, Africa remains marginal in terms of publication output, institutional visibility, and participation in international collaboration networks. This underrepresentation reflects persistent structural constraints, including limited research infrastructure, financial barriers, and weak integration into global scientific partnerships. By mapping the intellectual and collaborative structure of this field, the study highlights major research trends and underscores the need for stronger investment, capacity building, and international cooperation to enhance Africa’s contribution to smart and sustainable urban environmental monitoring.

This research investigates how Africa participates in studies focused on intelligent environmental monitoring systems within smart cities by conducting a comprehensive bibliometric review of academic literature. The analysis examined publications from the Scopus database covering the period from 2020 to 2025, utilizing Bibliometrix/Biblioshiny and VOSviewer software tools. Following the application of specific selection criteria based on publication timeframe, language requirements, document categories, and subject area relevance, researchers identified 19,509 publications suitable for detailed examination. The investigation assessed publishing patterns, prominent researchers, academic institutions, national contributions, collaborative relationships, and thematic keyword associations. Results reveal consistent expansion in research addressing intelligent environmental monitoring systems, fueled by developments in embedded computing, Internet of Things applications, sensor technologies, and machine learning capabilities. Research production shows heavy concentration across North America, Europe, and Asia, with China, the United States, and India standing out as primary contributors. Meanwhile, Africa demonstrates limited presence regarding research output, institutional recognition, and engagement in global collaborative networks. This limited representation stems from ongoing structural challenges, such as inadequate research facilities, funding limitations, and insufficient connections to worldwide academic partnerships. Through analyzing the intellectual framework and collaborative networks within this research domain, the study identifies key research directions and emphasizes the importance of increased investment, skill development, and international partnerships to strengthen Africa's role in advancing smart and environmentally sustainable urban monitoring solutions.