In alignment with the company’s steadfast commitment to advancing education and empowerment, Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com) is excited to announce the arrival of the Canon Academy Video Roadshow in Kenya; The roadshow spanning multiple countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, Algeria and many more, will offer an immersive experience to filmmaking enthusiasts unlike any other.  

The Canon Academy Video Roadshow, Canon’s immersive learning experience for aspiring filmmakers and content creators, sets its sights on Kenya. Following a successful launch in Nigeria, the roadshow offers participants in Kenya a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience with Canon’s cutting-edge equipment and techniques, under the guidance of industry professionals like Enos Olik, Michael Ilako and Fredrick Ochieng.

This commitment to nurturing African filmmaking talent aligns with Canon’s vision of empowering creators to bring their visions to life. The Canon Academy Video platform, launched in 2022, provides a comprehensive online film school accessible in English and French. The platform caters to all skill levels, offering courses delivered through e-learning and gamification. Upon completion, participants can pursue assessments and earn Canon Certification, validating their filmmaking proficiency.

“The Canon Academy Video Roadshow is a testament to Canon’s dedication to fostering a vibrant filmmaking community in Africa,” says Rashad Ghani, B2C Business Unit Director, Canon Central and North Africa. “By equipping filmmakers and creators with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive, we empower them to bring their visions to life and leave their mark on the ever-evolving world of visual storytelling. With plans to expand the program to additional African countries, Canon remains dedicated to supporting filmmakers at every stage of their journey.”

BUILDING ON ONLINE SUCCESS WITH HANDS-ON LEARNING

Africa’s burgeoning content creation scene, fueled by digital technology and social media, underscores the need for accessible filmmaking education. The Canon Academy Video platform has already garnered an overwhelming response, with over 14,000 aspiring filmmakers registering to hone their skills. In response to their desire for a more practical experience, Canon is bridging the gap between online learning and real-world application with the Canon Academy Video Roadshow.

KENYA IGNITES CREATIVITY

The Kenyan leg of the roadshow kicked off at MGM Studio, offering a three-day program from 3rd-5th June, for 50 Canon Academy Video users on Canon’s Cinema EOS and XA/XF line ups, as well as the V10 for vlogging. Renowned Kenyan filmmaker Enos Olik and Canon Certified Trainer Fredrick Ochieng led the sessions, providing professional advice, hands-on demos, and industry insights based on real-world scenarios. Participants even tackled two TV commercial assignments, putting their newfound skills to the test.

The roadshow continued at KCA University on 6th&7th June, collaborating with other universities such as Talanta Institute, Nairobi Institute of Music&Performing Arts (NIMPA), Multimedia University (MMU) and Kenya Film School (KFS), to extend the learning opportunity to students. Michael Ilako, a documentary filmmaker featured on the Canon Academy Video platform, joins Fredrick Ochieng to lead workshops covering camera lines, content creation, independent filmmaking, and storytelling. Participants will receive hands-on experience and create their own content, with the top student receiving an award for exceptional talent and innovation.

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF AFRICAN FILMMAKING

Led by industry experts, the Canon Academy Video Roadshow empowers aspiring filmmakers with practical knowledge and the confidence to pursue their creative visions. With plans to expand the program to additional African countries, Canon remains dedicated to supporting filmmakers at every stage of their journey.

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. Mai.youssef@canon-me.com

APO Group – PR Agency
Rania ElRafie
e. Rania.ElRafie@apo-opa.com

About Canon Central and North Africa:
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) (www.Canon-CNA.com) 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 (https://apo-opa.co/45IQXdv) – ‘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: Canon-CNA.com

Noovo, an innovative technology startup, is proud to announce the successful promotion of its groundbreaking Satellite OTT solution at the recent Gitex Arica 2024 (https://GITEXAfrica.com/) event in Marrakech. This revolutionary technology is designed to bridge the digital divide by providing universal access to digital content, significantly impacting education, long-term learning, and upskilling for underserved communities in Africa.

Download document: https://apo-opa.co/4b7Fmpf

Empowering Education and Upskilling Through Technology

Noovo’s Satellite OTT technology enables the delivery of digital content to any location at the lowest cost, utilizing broadcast and multicast technology. This content can be streamed locally without relying on the internet, eliminating data costs for end users. This innovation is set to transform access to education, training, information and entertainment, particularly in regions where connectivity and affordability have been significant barriers.

Social Impact on Underserved Communities

Noovo’s Satellite OTT technology is poised to make a profound social impact by:

Revolutionizing Education: Governments and educational institutions can now deliver eLearning to all schools in one single click, independent of internet access. This ensures that students in remote and underserved areas have access to quality educational resources, helping bridge the educational gap.
Supporting Long-term Learning and Upskilling: By providing access to a wealth of digital content, including educational videos and training materials, Noovo empowers individuals to engage in lifelong learning and upskilling. This is crucial for personal and professional development, particularly in regions with limited access to such resources.
Fostering Digital Inclusion: Noovo’s technology ensures that all individuals, regardless of their location or socio-economic status, can benefit from the digital revolution. This inclusivity promotes social equity and economic empowerment, driving sustainable development in underserved communities.

Gitex Africa 2024: A Platform for Awareness and Connection

The Gitex Africa 2024 event provided Noovo with a unique platform to connect with key industry players, government representatives, and NGOs. These connections are essential for scaling our technology and deploying our services across Africa. By collaborating with strategic partners, we aim to expand our reach and amplify the social impact of our solutions. Gitex has been instrumental in raising awareness about the potential of Satellite OTT technology among governments and NGOs, highlighting its importance in addressing the digital divide.

Quotes:

“We are thrilled by the positive reception of our Satellite OTT technology at Gitex Africa 2024. Our mission is to bridge the digital divide and ensure that everyone, especially those in underserved communities, has access to quality education and training. This technology is not just about connectivity; it’s about empowerment and creating opportunities for a better future,” said Jean-Christian Martin-Garrin, CEO at Noovo.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GITEX Africa.

Media Contact:
Jean-Christian Martin-Garrin
CEO
Noovo
jcmg@Noovo.co
www.Sat-Ott.com

About Noovo:
Noovo is a pioneering technology startup dedicated to bridging the digital divide by providing universal access to digital content. Our innovative Satellite OTT solutions leverage broadcast and multicast technology to deliver high-quality content to remote and underserved areas, promoting digital inclusion and social equity.

Africa Data Centres (https://www.AfricaDataCentres.com/), a business of the Cassava Technologies group, has unlocked funding that will allow them to expand data centre capacity and meet the growing demand for cloud computing services in South Africa. This was facilitated through a bespoke financing solution arranged by RMB. The financing agreement demonstrates the strong financial position of Africa Data Centres and its commitment to investing in the digital transformation of South Africa

“This funding is a significant milestone in the growth of Africa Data Centres,” said Hardy Pemhiwa, President&Group CEO of Cassava Technologies. “It underscores our commitment to growth and our confidence in the future of the South African data centre market. The additional funding will allow us to support the digital transformation journeys of our customers. Data Centres are key to delivering on our vision of a digitally connected future that leaves no African behind”.

RMB acted as the Coordinator, Initial Mandated Lead Arranger and Bookrunner on the ZAR2 billion facility. The facility was structured by RMB taking into account the current strategic objectives of Africa Data Centres.

Africa Data Centres operates a network of hyper scale and edge data centres across Southern, East and West Africa. The R2bn financing will enable Africa Data Centres to accelerate expand its hyperscale data centre capacity by an additional 20MW,  furthering its position as a leading player in the African data centre space enabling ADC to provide the highest standard of interconnected, carrier and cloud-neutral data centre facilities.

“The data centre space presents a significant digital infrastructure opportunity, as there is currently a large deficit of supply versus demand. With the exponential growth in demand for data centre capacity in Africa, we are proud to partner with Africa Data Centres as they facilitate digital transformation across the continent.  We see this funding as part of RMB’s mandate of financing the development of a sustainable digital economy in South Africa” says Nana Phiri, head of corporate client group at RMB.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Data Centres.

About Africa Data Centres:
Africa Data Centres owns and operates Africa’s largest network of interconnected, carrier and cloud-neutral data centre facilities. Bringing international experts to the pan-African market, Africa Data Centres is a trusted partner for rapid and secure data centre services and interconnections across Africa. Strategically located in South, East and West Africa our world-class data centre facilities provide a home for all business-critical data for Africa’s small, medium and large enterprises and global hyper scale customers. https://www.AfricaDataCentres.com/

About RMB:
At RMB Private Bank we aim to give you an expert view of your finances coupled with insightful, advice-led solutions for you and your family. At the heart our engagement model is your Private Banker, together with a team of advisors and specialists who, through intrinsic insight into your unique challenges and balance sheet, construct specialised solutions and advice for you. We understand the intricacies of wealth and will help guide you through the complexities of today’s financial world, while complementing your lifestyle through our award winning eBucks rewards programme so that you can enjoy, manage, protect and grow your wealth for future generations.

www.RMBPrivateBank.com

It’s not the first time Esther Keji has made an appearance on Radio Miraya. The young South Sudanese student has made several appearances on Radio Miraya, operated by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, sharing her opinions on the experiences of young people in this troubled country as well as messages of peace.

Today, she had a new experience: interviewing the leader of the powerful United Nations General Assembly, which includes all 193 Member States.

“We, as the children of South Sudan, are facing huge challenges, particularly being able to go to school and then university. How important do you think education is for children and what can the UN do to help ensure we have access?” said Esther.

President Francis commended her on the question and responded. “Education is the key that unlocks everything. With education you can be whatever you choose to be. There is a problem in South Sudan as there is a shortage of schools and teachers. But I want to encourage you as young people. Do your homework and study hard because education is the ultimate equalizer,” he said.

South Sudan has one of the world’s youngest and most vibrant populations. But, today, 70 percent of the children are not in school. That’s 2.8 million children who are missing out on their right to education for many reasons, including conflict, the climate crisis, displacement, poverty, early marriage, recruitment into armed forces and groups, and cultural and religious discrimination.

This situation affects their right to development, excludes them from future work opportunities, and exposes them to further violence, abuse and exploitation.

“It puts at risk not only their future, but also the future of the country,” said President Francis. “The children of today are the leaders of the future, so it is time to act collectively to ensure all children get the education they deserve and the chance to reach their full potential in life.”

Radio Miraya is about to celebrate its 18th anniversary. The UN-operated network which has the largest listenership in the country is an important tool for reaching South Sudanese, particularly those in remote conflict-affected areas, with news of importance about the security and political situation as well as supporting reconciliation and peacebuilding efforts.

“What we tend to do and what we’ve been doing is like handing over, I mean, the children taking over the radio waves – and throughout the day, literally Radio Miraya becomes the children’s radio station, children of South Sudan. This year, we were graced, and we were extremely lucky to have with us at the very President of the United Nations General Assembly,” said Ratomir Petrovic, the Chief of Radio Miraya.

President Francis toured the studio and spent time engaging with the young people running the show for the day, which they deeply appreciated.

“I would like to congratulate the radio station on its 18 years of operation and wish it all the best for the next 18 years of operation. Its nationwide coverage is a good thing because people need to know what is going on across the Republic of South Sudan. They need to be informed. This is how communities are built by bringing information to the people that they need to know to understand exactly what’s taking place on the ground,” said President Francis, appreciating the station.

In turn, the President left with an experience he will never forget, inspired by the resilience, determination, and passion for peace demonstrated by the children of South Sudan as they relentlessly seek the opportunities they need and deserve to reach their full potential in life.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).