In a developing country context, cement production is closely linked to economic development. The availability of cement is vital for infrastructure expansion, modern housing and urbanization. Sub-Saharan Africa has a low per-capita cement consumption compared to other world regions, but demand is growing and is expected to continue to grow in the coming decades. Cement production is an energy intensive process and a major source of CO2 emissions. Facilitating access to technologies and knowledge to promote cost effective low-carbon technology adoption in the cement industries of Sub-Saharan Africa is important for regional economic growth and competitiveness, as well as for the global reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
This report explores a number of factors that influence low-carbon innovation, through both energy efficiency and other CO2 abatement measures, in the cement sector in Sub-Saharan Africa. These influencing factors have been identified through a literature review and via several interviews with experts and operations managers in African cement facilities.