Canon pushes collaboration with Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya photography, film communities

Canon, the camera manufacturer, says it is collaborating with major film and photography communities in Nigeria, Egypt and Kenya – three countries where the company operates its ‘Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) operations.

The CCNA has already thrown an invitation to film and photography communities across African continent to connect and collaborate.

At a virtual press conference from Dubai with journalists across Africa, including Business A.M. Nigeria, Amine Djouarha, sales and marketing director for Canon Central and North Africa, said they are excited to announce the first three: SYNC School in Cairo, Egypt; Peexoo, a Nigerian photography hub, and the Photographers’ Association of Kenya (PAK).

Djouarha said more collaborations are welcome as the global imaging leaders would like to develop creative collaborations in every country in the CCNA region.

He said Canon has been a long-standing supporter of film and photography education groups. “These relationships can now go deeper by sharing Canon expertise, knowledge and technology, with regular masterclasses, training opportunities, photo booths and competitions,” he added.

The formation of CCNA in 2015 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region – by strengthening its 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 customer base in the region. CCNA also ensures the provision of 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.

Djouahra explained that Canon is committed to build closer ties with its customers; and the collaborations are a way to inspire and enrich the next generation of image-makers. “Our mission is to empower people to see the bigger picture, on a grand yet local level. In this rapidly changing, image-based culture, we want to explore new and innovative ideas with a wider audience,” he said while fielding questions from journalists across the continent.

Mustafa Sharara, SYNC’s founder and creative director, said there has been an enthusiastic response: “SYNC is a community based school of 94,000 for creatives in Egypt with photographers, filmmakers and content creators. We are thrilled to build this relationship with Canon and learn, grow and create together”.

According to Steven Kelechi Nwadike, co-founder, and techpreneur, Peexoo, a photography hub powered by artificial intelligence, brings together 2,000+ photographers and videographers from across Nigeria.

“We change perceptions through film and photography,” Nwadike said, adding: “We are ecstatic that Canon is joining us on this journey.”

For the Professional Photographers’ Association of Kenya (PAK), the leading photographic society in the country, representing professionals, amateurs and hobbyists, Victor Otieno, PAK Treasurer said: “We are proud to partner with Canon at this time, a collaboration which will uplift, inspire and encourage our photographic community”.

Meanwhile, through the collaborations, community members will gain exclusive access to masterclasses with Canon ambassadors, including Emmanuel Oyeleke and Yagazi Emezi who will present a masterclass to Peexoo members; and Menna Hossam who will present “Fine art and fashion photographer: Challenges of this genre & the future of creating enchanting images in the era of social media”, to SYNC School members.

Regular competitions will be used to challenge and inspire with exciting prizes such as Canon’s mini phone-to-printer Zoemini, the portable Selphy and the G-Series printers, as well as a compact Powershot SX720 and mirrorless M50 cameras.

Hands-on ‘touch and try’ sessions with cutting-edge Canon R system technology, EOS cameras and lenses are in the plan with special, members-only discounts available on Canon equipment.

Canon said its interest in developing and recognising excellence both in amateur and professional photographers goes beyond this. The Canon Future Focus programme for students is in its fifth year, and the inaugural Redline Challenge for amateur photographers received great response in entries from African region.

“We believe in enriching local creatives and welcome the opportunity to connect and support the next generation of visual storytellers. By investing expertise, technology and opportunities in them, we hope to enhance their art, skills and future careers,” said Amine Djouahra, the CCNA sales and marketing director.