Norad backs Geminor’s Africa project to turn plastic waste into cement fuel

The project, funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Sustainable Oceans and Measures to Combat Marine Litter program, addresses a critical challenge in Africa: unmanaged plastic waste that pollutes ecosystems and coastlines.¹ Across coastal and urban areas, up to 80% of plastic waste is currently mismanaged in parts of West Africa, contributing significantly to marine litter and environmental degradation.² This project aims to establish a hub to convert difficult-to-recycle plastic waste into solid recovered fuel (SRF) for cement kilns, supporting a circular economy that reduces marine pollution and enhances industrial sustainability.

While the global cement industry accounts for roughly 7–8% of global CO₂ emissions, Africa’s overall contribution remains comparatively small.³ However, the region’s cement capacity is expected to grow by nearly 77% by 2030,⁴ potentially adding 150 million tons of CO₂ annually if fossil fuel dependence continues.⁵ Many facilities still rely on coal, creating both a challenge and an opportunity for a cleaner energy transition.

“We’ve been actively engaging with Norwegian embassies across Africa and are beginning to see where the path forward is becoming clearer. These collaborations help us identify where local conditions, policy frameworks, and industrial readiness align best to support sustainable co-processing of plastic waste,” says Tadesse Negash, Africa Project Lead at Geminor.

Only a limited number of cement plants in Africa are currently equipped to use alternative fuels such as waste-derived fuels, SRF, and biomass, though adoption is accelerating in select markets. To support this transition, the project will focus on developing consistent SRF quality through defined material specifications, supplier requirements, and processing standards adapted to local conditions, while testing how the fuel performs in cement operations. The feasibility phase is supported by NORWASTE, a Norwegian consultancy with experience in circular economy projects, and Dikubu Water & Environmental Services, which specialises in environmental and infrastructure development in South Africa.

Drawing on Geminor’s long experience in processing plastics and developing hub-based waste-to-fuel solutions, Kirstie Jones-Williams, Director of Innovation & Sustainability and head of the company’s new R&D department, said: “This project reflects our broader ambition to strengthen waste management value chains and support more sustainable resource use. As we enter new markets, we know there is a lot to learn, and working closely with local partners will be essential to identifying solutions that are both viable and meaningful. Support from Norad enables us to invest the time and resources needed to explore these opportunities responsibly.”