Implementing Environmental Management Systems in Driving Development in Africa:

The adoption of Environmental Management Systems would help organizations to reduce impact, realize significant cost saving, enhance competitiveness and improve performance. This paper explores the relationship between between ISO 14001 standard and environmental performance with the aim of adding more light to the understanding of how ISO 14001 implementation can boost both environmental and economic concert. This standard therefore presents a good opportunity for enterprises and companies in Africa to improve on corporate performance and take advantage on market competitiveness. The study also reveals that limited awareness and high certification cost are the greatest obstacles for implementing the ISO 14001 EMS among enterprises in Africa.