The International Finance Corporation and the Mohinani Group are turning Nigeria’s plastic waste into a source of economic opportunity, with a focus on green manufacturing, job creation, and environmental sustainability.

During an official visit to the Mohinani Group’s Sonnex rPET facility in Ikorodu, Lagos, recently, IFC Vice President of Corporate Support Elena Bourganskaia praised the company’s role in advancing Nigeria’s circular economy. The plant, which recycles post-consumer plastic into high-quality packaging materials, is a cornerstone of IFC’s partnership with the Mohinani Group.

“What we’ve seen today is an example of how private sector leadership, backed by targeted investment, can drive real change,” Bourganskaia said. “At IFC, we are proud to partner with companies that are not only scaling production but also building inclusive, green economies that work for people and the planet.”

The Sonnex rPET plant is expected to process over 15,000 tonnes of plastic annually, with 90% of its input sourced from local waste collectors and small businesses. The initiative is projected to create more than 4,000 jobs across Nigeria and Ghana, further strengthening local economies.

Rafael Pires, CEO of Manufacturing at Mohinani Group, said the project reflects the company’s long-term commitment to sustainable industrialisation.

“Through our PET recycling operations, we are reducing waste, developing local capacity, and contributing to Nigeria’s industrial growth. This visit reinforces our belief in the importance of public-private collaboration in achieving economic transformation,” he said.

The Mohinani Group, a pan-African conglomerate operating in packaging, consumer goods, and industrial chemicals, has positioned itself as a leader in green innovation. Its partnership with IFC underscores growing global interest in scalable, sustainable solutions to Africa’s plastic waste challenge.

The visit marked a milestone in IFC’s ongoing support for private sector-led development in West Africa, with a focus on inclusive growth and environmental stewardship.