Enhancing Academia–Industry Partnerships for Sustainable Building: A Change Framework for Research and Innovation Integration in Sub-Saharan Africa

This study examines how academia–industry partnerships can be enhanced to promote sustainable building practices in sub-Saharan Africa, a region facing rapid urbanization, climate risks, and resource constraints. The research addresses the gap in existing frameworks that often overlook local context, material lifecycle, and the role of early adopters in sustainable construction. A conceptual framework was developed featuring the following seven core components: adaptation, technology, material lifecycle, early adoption, transformation, policy, and sustainability. The methodology involves a detailed literature review, a comparative analysis of existing global and regional frameworks, and case studies from countries such as Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Rwanda, and Ethiopia. Findings revealed that context-specific adaptation strategies, access to digital tools, use of local materials, and strong policy support drive successful partnerships. Past projects like Kenya’s KOSAP, South Africa’s Green Star system, Makoko Floating School in Nigeria, and Burkina Faso’s use of earth bricks validated the framework’s relevance and flexibility. The study concludes that academia and industry can effectively collaborate when supported by structured processes, training, and policy alignment. These findings contribute to the fields of architecture and urbanism by offering a practical, scalable, and inclusive framework suited to Sub-Saharan realities. The study recommended further research into digital integration, cross-border cooperation, and culturally responsive design to build upon these results and support long-term sustainable development in the region.