The Voice Of Jad Jaber, CEO/Partner of Sigma Cylinders
The Voice is delighted to speak with Jad Jaber, CEO/Partner of Sigma Cylinders, WLGA's latest Industry Council member.
The Voice: Welcome to the WLGA, as a new IC member tell us a little about the company Sigma Cylinders and the key drivers for the coming years?
Jad Jaber: Sigma Cylinders is a leading manufacturer of high-quality LPG cylinders, with operations spanning across the Middle East and Africa. Over the past few years, we've transformed from serving just three countries (Lebanon, Ghana and Ivory Coast) to over 35 neighboring countries. We’re proud to be ranked as the number one cylinder manufacturer in the Middle East and Africa, with an annual production capacity that has grown from 3 million to over 6 million cylinders in the past 25 years.
Our key drivers for the coming years are:
- Sustainability: We’re committed to exploring sustainable manufacturing processes, leveraging technological advancements, and implementing greener solutions across our operations.
- Global Expansion: We aim to further penetrate new markets, particularly in emerging regions, to support energy access with reliable, safe, and cost-effective LPG cylinders.
- Operational Excellence: Maintaining our reputation for quality and safety through continuous improvements in our production lines, stringent quality control, and expanding our ISO certifications. Additionally, we’re working on enhancing our manufacturing efficiency to keep reducing costs while increasing capacity.
- Strategic Partnerships: Strengthening collaborations with multinational energy providers and deepening relationships with key stakeholders to maintain our position as a reliable supplier in the global LPG industry.
- People-Centric Approach: One of our core beliefs is investing in people. We are committed to developing our teams and fostering a culture of commitment, excellence, and family values, which have been instrumental in our growth.
We’re excited about the future and look forward to contributing to the energy sector on a global scale.
TV: What are the primary objectives and driving forces behind Sigma Cylinders' operations?
JJ: Our primary objective is aligned with our organisation's purpose to steer the shift toward clean energy. We believe that clean cooking is a basic human right. To achieve this, our strategy is built on four key pillars: People, Quality, Health & Safety, and Recycling. We aim to ensure that high-quality, safe cylinders are accessible to those who need them most.
TV: What do you believe are the key opportunities for the African market in 2024, and how does Sigma Cylinders aim to leverage them for further expansion both domestically and internationally?
JJ: In 2024, Africa presents significant opportunities for growth, particularly in the energy sector. With increasing urbanisation, a growing population, and a heightened focus on clean energy, the demand for safe, affordable LPG cylinders is set to rise. We see several key opportunities for the African market:
1. Expanding Access to Clean Energy:
With many African countries transitioning away from traditional fuels like wood and charcoal, there is a strong push towards cleaner alternatives like LPG. Sigma Cylinders is well-positioned to support this shift by providing high-quality, safe cylinders that help households and businesses make the transition to cleaner energy solutions.
2. Government Initiatives and Public-Private Partnerships:
Several African governments are prioritising energy infrastructure development and sustainability projects. These initiatives open up opportunities for collaboration between private companies and the public sector. Sigma Cylinders aims to leverage such partnerships to expand its market reach and contribute to the region's energy transformation.
3. Local Manufacturing and Job Creation:
By establishing and expanding local manufacturing facilities, Sigma Cylinders not only strengthens its presence in key African markets but also supports job creation and skills development. This aligns with the continent’s broader goals of economic development and industrialisation.
4. Sustainability and Recycling:
As Africa begins to prioritise sustainability, there is growing interest in recycling and the circular economy. Sigma Cylinders aims to introduce innovative recycling initiatives for LPG cylinders, which will contribute to reducing waste and promoting environmental sustainability across the continent.
To leverage these opportunities, Sigma Cylinders will continue investing in localised production, building stronger partnerships with governments and multinationals, and enhancing its distribution network to ensure affordable, safe cylinders are accessible across the continent.
By focusing on these areas, we aim to drive growth both domestically within Africa and internationally, cementing our position as a leader in the global LPG industry.
TV: Reflecting on your membership with the WLGA since 2020, what do you feel are the significant advantages of your membership? What are your aspirations as a recently appointed member of the WLGA Industry Council?
JJ: Our membership in the WLGA has provided us with several strategic advantages. It has granted us access to valuable industry data and insights, as well as increased exposure and brand awareness. Additionally, participating in WLPG Week exhibitions in
key countries has been highly beneficial, offering us the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and forge important relationships.
TV: Anything else you may wish to add.
JJ: At Sigma Cylinders, our short- and medium-term strategy is centred around two key objectives: localisation and supporting the clean cooking initiative. By focusing on localisation, we aim to enhance the local economy through job creation, better control over quality, and reduced supply chain disruptions, while also lowering CO2 emissions.
In parallel, we are committed to funding clean cooking initiatives, and providing safer, more affordable, and environmentally friendly cooking solutions to communities, aligning with our vision for sustainable growth and social impact.
Our goal is to identify key stakeholders and potential funders to support our Clean Cooking Booster Project, which focuses on making LPG cylinders accessible to people in selected countries across Africa.
By promoting LPG as a clean energy source, we aim to significantly improve health outcomes, enhance lifestyles, and stimulate local economies. Join us in this vital mission to foster sustainable development and a healthier future for millions.
In line with Sigma Cylinders’ mission, we strive to make LPG – the exceptional energy source – accessible to those in need through safe, high-quality exceptional cylinders, thereby boosting the clean cooking initiative for the billions without it.
- To collaborate with stakeholders and advocate clean cooking rights
- Make LPG accessible and affordable
- Increase the switch to clean cooking
- Establish awareness and behavioral change
For this initiative to succeed and achieve meaningful impact, scaling is essential, and that can only be realised by securing the right funders. By attracting strategic partners who share our vision, we can expand our efforts to provide cleaner, safer cooking solutions while driving localisation to boost local economies and reduce environmental impacts. Finding funders aligned with our mission is the key to scaling the initiative and making it truly transformative.
