Geminor has secured a NOK5m (US$0.521m) grant from Norad, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, to explore converting non-recyclable plastic waste in Africa into solid recovered fuel (SRF) for the cement industry. The project aims to support decarbonisation while advancing circular economy solutions.
Funded by Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs through its Sustainable Oceans programme, the initiative targets high levels of mismanaged plastic waste in parts of West Africa, where up to 80 per cent is inadequately handled, contributing to marine pollution. Geminor plans to establish a processing hub to transform difficult-to-recycle plastics into SRF suitable for cement kilns.
Although Africa’s share of global cement emissions remains relatively small, the region’s cement capacity is projected to rise sharply by 2030, increasing the urgency of reducing fossil fuel use. Many plants still rely on coal, but only a limited number are equipped to co-process alternative fuels.
The feasibility phase is supported by NORWASTE and South Africa-based Dikubu Water & Environmental Services. Geminor said collaboration with local partners will be key to developing viable, market-specific solutions.
