Beyond the basics: a PRISMA-guided systematic review of the theory of planned behaviour applications and extensions in African entrepreneurship research

Abstract This PRISMA-guided systematic review synthesises how the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) has been applied and extended in African entrepreneurship research. The review was set out to explore the extent to which the TPB consistently explains entrepreneurial intentions (EI) across the African contexts, while also examining the theoretical extensions that have been integrated into the model and the methodological challenges surrounding its use. Guided by PRISMA 2020 and PRISMA-S, we systematically reviewed 63 studies published between 2008 and 2024. The findings reaffirm the TPB as a reliable framework for predicting EI. Attitude towards behaviour and perceived behavioural control emerged as strong and consistent predictors, while subjective norms showed weaker and more context-specific effects. To capture Africa’s diverse realities, researchers often extended the TPB with factors such as entrepreneurship education, cultural and institutional conditions, psychological traits and demographic characteristics. These extensions generally strengthened the model’s explanatory power, with variance explained (R 2 ) ranging from 30 to over 90%. Yet, notable gaps remain. Much of the evidence relies on cross-sectional surveys of student populations, with limited coverage across countries and fragmented integration of additional variables. The review contributes theoretically by showing that while the TPB offers a universal foundation, its application in Africa requires greater contextual sensitivity. Practically, it points policymakers and educators towards strategies that nurture positive attitudes and self-belief while tackling structural barriers. The evidence elucidates that the TPB provides both a solid and adaptable lens for understanding EI in Africa.