SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW REPORT: An investigation into the challenges and solutions of e-learning in tertiary institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic 8 November 2021 Abstract The move to online learning, from traditional methods was inevitable. With the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, this gradual, inevitable change was suddenly at the doorstep of every student. Closing of educational institutions, with particularly stringent rules on tertiary institutions resulted in numerous challenges faced by students and lecturers alike. This systematic literature review (SLR) is an investigation into the challenges of elearning implementation faced during the pandemic globally. The main challenges identified included: (a) the digital divide; (b) adaptation to home studies by students; (c) governmental contributions; (d) course quality and content and lecturer competency and (e) methods of assessment. These challenges were consistent within 36% of the articles analysed. The challenges are discussed with reference to requirements identified within the literature analysed. The SLR also documents useful solutions and innovative teaching methods which have either been implemented or being proposed. Some of these include: (a) amendment to teaching policies and curriculum design; (b) e-learning workshops to enhance teacher/learner capabilities; (c) cultivation of strong online communities, (d) blended learning methods and (e) course design with guidance of thinking-based instruction theory. The solutions were consistent in 34% of articles analysed, while innovations were discussed in 11% of articles. The challenges were generally observed within developing countries. The solutions and innovations were varied across different demographics. Discussion of the challenges in relation the known requirements, can prove to be informative to major stakeholders within the educational landscape such as: parents, investors, unaware students and educators. The solutions and innovations discussed may be tailored according to the context in which an institution exists, to enhance the digital learning and teaching experience. Keywords: COVID-19, online learning, e-learning, challenges, requirements, solutions, innovation, digital divide