Latest news with #RashadGhani
Zawya
08-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Canon Academy Collaborates with Kwetu Film Institute in Rwanda to Expand its Educational Footprint in Africa with First-Ever Creative Workshops
Canon Academy offers a comprehensive educational program featuring hands-on workshops covering a wide range of photography topics. To date, we have successfully trained 103 students through this initiative. The programme offers a comprehensive curriculum blending theory and practice, where expert trainers instill confidence and passion while covering essential topics like exposure triangle, composition, lighting, focus, and more. Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) ( a leader in imaging technology, has officially launched the Canon Academy in Rwanda in collaboration with Kwetu Film Institute, marking the company's first educational programme in the country. This strategic milestone reinforces Canon's long-standing commitment to investing in Africa's creative talent through education, empowerment, and the promotion of inclusive opportunities for emerging image-makers. Canon Academy is a key component of the company's broader efforts to advance the creative sector across the continent. Aligned with Canon's Kyosei philosophy, "Living and Working Together for the Common Good,' the programme aims to equip aspiring and professional photographers in Rwanda with high-quality training, and relevant industry knowledge. Rashad Ghani, B2C Business Unit Director, said, "The launch of the Canon Academy in Rwanda is a proud moment for us. This initiative reflects Canon's belief in the power of education and the role of creativity role in building resilient communities. By investing in Rwanda's young talent, we are building a bridge between imagination and opportunity, staying true to our Kyosei philosophy and our broader mission to uplift Africa's creative economy." Canon Academy is dedicated to Canon users, offering hands-on experiences across a wide array of topics. Workshops are led by certified Canon trainers, ensuring that participants benefit from the expertise of seasoned professionals. The programme caters to different skill levels, from beginners to professionals, allowing each participant to grow at their own pace. A WEEK OF LEARNING AND CREATIVITY The inaugural Canon Academy programme, held last week in Kigali, brought together a diverse group of Rwandan participants ranging from students and beginners to semi-professionals and established photographers. Over the course of the week, participants took part in hands-on workshops, mentorship sessions, and practical exercises led by Canon-certified trainer Fred Ochieng. Key focus areas included lighting, composition, visual storytelling, and portfolio development. These were tailored to equip participants with the technical and creative skills essential for success in Rwanda's evolving visual storytelling landscape. In addition to skill-building, the programme offered a platform for participants to showcase their work and build meaningful connections within the creative community. About Kwetu Film Institute Based in Kigali, Kwetu Film Institute is one of East Africa's premier creative hubs, committed to developing the next generation of storytellers through film and media. Founded by celebrated filmmaker Eric Kabera, the institute serves as a training ground and incubator for aspiring filmmakers, offering a blend of theoretical education and practical production experience. Kwetu is renowned for nurturing homegrown talent and using storytelling as a powerful tool for cultural preservation, dialogue, and social change. Eric Kabera, Founder of Kwetu Film Institute, commented: 'Our collaboration with Canon is a natural extension of our mission to empower creatives through access to quality education and global partnerships. Together, we are planting seeds that will grow Rwanda's next generation of image-makers and storytellers, enabling them to compete and thrive on the global stage.' With the establishment of this programme, Canon is further solidifying its commitment to inclusive development through localised engagement and hands-on skills training. The initiative is designed to build skills and strengthen the wider creative infrastructure within the region. By empowering young people with practical tools, industry insights, and educational opportunities, Canon is helping to transform creative potential into viable professions, ultimately contributing to the growth and diversification of the country's creative economy. Canon continues to prioritise the growth of Africa's next generation of storytellers by developing platforms that harness the power of technology, education, and collaboration. The establishment of the Canon Academy in Rwanda reflects this ongoing commitment, one that extends beyond imaging innovation to champion people, purpose, and advancement across the continent. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA). Media enquiries, please contact: Canon Central and North Africa Mai Youssef e. APO Group - PR Agency Rania ElRafie e. About Canon Central and North Africa: Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) ( is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon's business within the Africa region - by strengthening Canon's in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon's commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market. Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa's rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa. Canon's corporate philosophy is Kyosei ( – 'living and working together for the common good'. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon's products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better. For more information: (
Zawya
04-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
Inspiring Creativity: Canon Academy Juniors Partners with Karen Country Club to Nurture Young Photographers in Kenya
The Canon Academy Juniors program is dedicated to empowering youth by fostering new hobbies and developing their creative skills, instilling confidence along the way. Tailored for two different age groups (8-12 and 13-16), the program offers hands-on photography classes designed to equip kids and teens with valuable skills. This partnership aims at Inspiring creativity and cultivating young photographers at Kenya's premier country club Canon Central&North Africa ( is thrilled to announce an exciting new partnership with Karen Country Club to bring the Canon Academy Juniors program to young members aged 8-16. This unique collaboration combines Karen Country Club's legacy of community engagement with Canon's dedication to nurturing the next generation of visual storytellers. Set to take place from 14th-17th April, this exclusive members-only program will provide young participants with immersive, hands-on photography training in a stunning outdoor environment. Through Canon Academy Juniors, selected country clubs in Nairobi, including the iconic Karen Country Club, will host four days of interactive photography sessions led by Canon-certified trainers. Participants will engage in both theoretical and practical workshops covering essential photography skills such as composition, exposure settings, storytelling, and more. The program is designed to help children and teens not only discover a new hobby but also build a deep-rooted photography culture among young learners. Established in 1937, Karen Country Club offers an ideal setting for this program. Known as one of Kenya's oldest and most prestigious family-oriented clubs, the club's 18-hole golf course was built on a former coffee estate developed by Danish author Karen Blixen, the inspiration for the classic film Out of Africa. Its serene landscape, enriched with indigenous trees, wetlands, and panoramic views of the Ngong Hills, provides a perfect canvas for budding photographers. Canon's Commitment to Innovation and Creative Expression 'Canon Academy Juniors is more than a photography program; it's a space where young minds can explore their creativity, learn valuable skills, and develop a passion for visual storytelling,' said Rashad Ghani, B2C Business Unit Director, Canon Central&North Africa. 'We're proud to partner with Karen Country Club to bring this enriching experience to their community, nurturing Kenya's next generation of photographers in an environment as inspiring as their vision.' Program Highlights and Structure The program will run in two daily sessions over four days, offering age-appropriate courses for children aged 8-12 in the morning, followed by sessions for teens aged 13-16 in the afternoon. Each day covers core photography topics including: Basics of photography and camera handling Understanding and using different camera modes Principles of composition and the exposure triangle Storytelling through images Specialized sessions such as Canon Creative Park, where participants can explore genre-based photography and creative camera modes The program not only offers a hands-on learning experience but also fosters a vibrant photography culture among young people, encouraging them to capture the world around them with new perspective. About Canon Academy Juniors Canon Academy Juniors is an exclusive educational initiative designed for young members who are eager to explore visual imaging and printing. This program is dedicated to nurturing the creative skills of students aged 8-16 through engaging outdoor and hands-on training sessions led by expert trainers. About Karen Country Club Founded in 1937, Karen Country Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in Kenya. With a course built to United States Golf Association (USGA) standards and steeped in history, the club is a prestigious hub of community activity, offering family-oriented recreation in a setting rich with indigenous flora and fauna. Its grounds serve as an extraordinary venue for Canon Academy Juniors, enhancing the learning experience with breathtaking views of the Ngong Hills and abundant natural beauty. This partnership underscores Canon's commitment to innovation and Karen Country Club's mission of enriching its members' lives through unique and valuable programs. Together, Canon and Karen Country Club are proud to offer young members the tools and inspiration they need to explore the art of photography. Click here to learn more about Canon Academy Juniors: Click here to learn more about Canon Print Hub: Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA). Media enquiries, please contact: Canon Central and North Africa Mai Youssef e. APO Group - PR Agency Rania ElRafie e. About Canon Central and North Africa: Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) ( is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon's business within the Africa region - by strengthening Canon's in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon's commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market. Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa's rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa. Canon's corporate philosophy is Kyosei ( – 'living and working together for the common good'. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon's products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better. For more information:
Zawya
05-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Canon Central & North Africa Fortifies Global Presence and Fosters Customer Experience at ISE 2025
Company hosted an exclusive delegation of key customers from Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Senegal, Algeria, Morocco, and Egypt at ISE 2025. The stand highlighted its PTZ, professional video, Cinema EOS, EOS R cameras and Canon's XC protocol integration across corporate, broadcast, government and education sectors. Canon Central&North Africa ( showcased its strong regional presence at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) in Barcelona, Spain—the world's largest AV systems integration expo, hosting a delegation of key customers from East, West, North, and Central Africa. The event served as a key platform to demonstrate how Canon's advanced video and imaging solutions seamlessly integrate to meet the evolving needs of corporate and higher education sectors, as well as system integrators across Africa. With a theme of 'stand out made simple' Canon showcased how its partnerships with leading AV innovators can help deliver exciting solutions for companies and organisations seeking to make high quality video production easy for all, regardless of ability or experience. Showcasing its award-winning range of PTZ, professional video, Cinema EOS and EOS R system cameras, Canon's focus this year is on partnerships – and how together they can deliver bespoke creative solutions in the corporate and higher education sectors. Rashad Ghani, B2C Business Unit Director explained: 'At the event, we aimed to inspire corporate customers to invest in in-house studios by demonstrating how effortless it is to use Canon's automated video solutions. In the education sector, we showcased how Canon's streaming solutions, including PTZ cameras, enhances students' learning experiences by improving content delivery. Additionally, we highlighted tailored solutions for the broadcast and government sectors, demonstrating how Canon's innovative imaging technology supports high-quality content creation and advanced surveillance needs. Through strategic partnerships, we highlighted creative solutions tailored for corporate environments, higher education, and system integrators—covering in-house studio content creation, video conferencing, and hybrid learning. The Canon stand featured multiple zones designed to showcase these innovations, reinforcing our commitment to empowering businesses and institutions with cutting-edge imaging technology.' Networking Opportunity Networking remained a key focus for Canon at the event, as the team engaged with industry experts, AV consultants, and system integrators to strengthen both new and existing relationships. The platform also served as a strategic opportunity to highlight the Canon Pro-Imaging System Integrator Program, launched last year to support system integrators through technology integration, business performance recognition, and shared growth opportunities. Building on this, the Multicam Show, a series of immersive events held across various parts of Africa, further emphasized Canon's commitment to showcasing multicam solutions to partners. This program and initiative together enable partners to explore innovative solutions, drive business success, and stay ahead in a competitive market. 'At Canon Central&North Africa, fostering partnerships and enhancing customer experience are at the heart of our strategy,' said Rashad Ghani. 'Through our Pro-Imaging System Integrator Program, we are committed to supporting system integrators with seamless multi-camera and imaging solutions that elevate their projects. We were proud to host system integrators from across Africa—including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Uganda, Senegal, Algeria, Morocco, and Egypt—giving them firsthand experience of how Canon's innovations integrate effortlessly across diverse applications. These engagements not only strengthened collaborations but also reinforced our vision of driving the future of imaging together.' The Canon stand at ISE this year The Canon stand featured an array of zones and partnerships this year, with solutions for in-house studio content creation, video conferencing and hybrid learning. Canon will be partnering with key industry solution providers in these spaces such as Get Your Studio, Stack Control and Tracking Master. These solutions on the stand had a heavy emphasis on automation, reinforcing the message that stand out quality content can be made simple. This included a creative software solution to help operate PTZ cameras dynamically and efficiently. Canon also debuted a new, exciting concept product which aims to help businesses produce 3D renders and MP4 video files with ease, for example for archival purposes. For more information, please visit: and for information on all of Canon's ProAV solutions head to: Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA). Media enquiries, please contact: Canon Central and North Africa Mai Youssef e. APO Group - PR Agency Rania ElRafie e. About Canon Central and North Africa: Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) ( is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon's business within the Africa region - by strengthening Canon's in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon's commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market. Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa's rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa. Canon's corporate philosophy is Kyosei ( – 'living and working together for the common good'. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon's products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better. For more information:
