Cloud Computing Adoption in the South African Public Administration: A Systematic Analysis of Key Constraints

Globally, cloud computing has reshaped business models of various public sectors, leading to intensified efficiency in digital transformation and enhanced data administration. Although governments continuously provide seamless public services and effectively manage massive datasets using cloud computing, the South African public administration still faces challenges that impede the full realization of cloud services. This study explores the key constraints that the South African public administration faces in adopting cloud computing. This study adopts an interpretivist worldview and qualitative methodology, employing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) technique to investigate the key constraints faced by the South African public administration in adopting cloud computing. Academic studies were retrieved from the ProQuest and ScienceDirect databases, spanning the years 2016 to 2025. A total of 20 studies were included in the systematic analysis. The findings of the systematic analysis reveal that inadequate digital infrastructure, limited digital competencies and insufficient legislative framework are fundamental constraints faced by the South African public sector. The study’s findings can help policymakers develop a sound policy and strategy for managing cloud computing in the public sector.