Cemex is continuing to improve the cleanliness of the River Nile and transform communities in Egypt through its partnership with VeryNile, an initiative supported by the Egyptian Ministry of the Environment.
Launched in 2022, the partnership originally aimed to support local fishing communities through the collecting and processing of solid waste from the river, but has since created various educational, environmental, social and job opportunities for people across the country.
As of late 2024, Cemex has helped to collect over 575 tons of waste from the Nile, including through its employees’ participation in several volunteering activities to clean up the river. Of the total amount of waste collected, Cemex has repurposed more than 460 tons as alternative fuels at its Assiut Cement Plant, supporting its circularity strategy.
The partnership has also enabled VeryNile to expand its operations, including launching its Assiut Hub in Cemex Egypt’s operational hometown. Through this, more than 360 new job opportunities were created, including for local fishing communities, increasing the capacity for waste collection from the Nile.
Furthermore, the partnership is helping to foster community and sustainable development through the creation of social and educational initiatives. In 2023, Cemex’s Assiut Cement Football Club launched a new branch of its academy on Qursaya Island in Cairo, providing young people with an opportunity to play sports and nurture their skills in a professional and safe environment with advanced facilities, rigorous training programmes and experienced coaches.
As a result of this collaborative effort, Cemex was included in Fortune’s 2024 Change the World list, ranking 24th out of 52 companies. This marks the fourth time Cemex has received this recognition, which celebrates businesses creating positive social impact through local partnerships.
Yago Castro Izaguirre, President of Cemex Egypt and UAE, said: “Supporting initiatives that can leave a lasting positive impact on the environment and our communities is at the forefront of Cemex’s mission to build a better future for all. With VeryNile, we are alleviating pollution issues within the Nile River through waste management solutions and developing programmes that can enable people of all ages to grow, prosper and succeed. Together, we continue to enhance and empower communities across Egypt.”
