This document provides a review of smart grid deployment issues in developing countries. It discusses several key challenges: 1) wide demand-supply gaps in developing nations have hindered smart grid deployments which require reliable energy supply; 2) rollouts of smart electricity meters have faced issues like high costs, electricity theft, and slow deployment; 3) cyberattacks, infrastructure theft, vandalism, and terrorism pose security risks for smart grids; and 4) poor research/investment, low budgets, and corruption have also impeded smart grid progress in developing nations. The document argues that addressing these challenges is important for enabling sustainable smart grid deployments.