Canon (https://en.Canon-CNA.com) today announces the new RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE, an APS-C virtual reality (VR) lens joining the EOS R System, in addition to the existing RF 5.2mm F2.8L DUAL FISHEYE. This new lens makes it even easier for anyone, including newcomers to the craft, to create high-quality 3D VR footage.

Dual fisheye lenses incorporate two separate lenses which are positioned side by side to simulate human binocular vision. Each lens captures an image from a slightly different perspective, creating two separate images that correspond to the views from the left and right eyes. This stereoscopic effect enables depth perception in VR, making the experience more immersive.

The RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE provides a left and right perspective, neatly combined into one compact dual fisheye optical design and expands the range of cameras that are a part of the EOS VR System. More so, this new lens enters the market at a more attainable price point than predecessors, rendering high-quality immersive content creation more accessible – whilst retaining the high optical performance of the EOS R System. 

The new 144-degree recording angle provides a narrower field of view compared to VR180 shooting. This, alongside the large depth of field, makes it easy for users to set up and keep attention on their subject – with less concern about supporting equipment, such as lighting or tripods making it into the shot. The focus ring, which can be assigned to another function, such as aperture or ISO for practical shooting solutions, helps users stay fully immersed in the action. The RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE is the first 3D lens with Autofocus (AF) from Canon, with a One Shot Autofocus (AF) setting to further simplify the creation process. 

It is the first non-L Series lens to feature premium quality Air Sphere coating which prevents aberrations, such as flare and ghosting. It also utilises two UD elements per lens, helping to produce sharp images. The f/3.5 aperture guarantees high-quality footage when shooting in a variety of indoor and outdoor locations. No setting is off limits for creative 3D storytelling, from dimly lit forests to brightly lit stadiums. For even greater creative flexibility, the RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE has a rear mounted filter holder for both screw-on and gelatin filters. 

When it comes to viewing the content captured on the RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE in a headset, the 3D stereoscopic lens brings high levels of realism. The 144-degree viewing angle results in a natural, forward-facing view that uses peripheral vision to fully immerse the viewer. When viewed through a compatible headset, simulations also benefit from the lens’ 60mm interpupillary distance, which closely resembles human vision – providing a realistic 3D effect for subjects. 

With the demand for VR content creation increasing at pace (the market is projected to grow to more than 22 billion U.S. dollars by 2025) (https://apo-opa.co/3XjsV6l), the latest lens makes creating 3D content – from gaming and education to tourism, documentaries, and entertainment –more achievable. The lens is designed to work with Canon’s EOS R System[1], providing an efficient workflow for VR content creators.

For more information about the new Canon RF-S 3.9mm F3.5 STM DUAL FISHEYE, please visit: https://apo-opa.co/3z7B03W

Specifications: https://apo-opa.co/3RhVihp

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) (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 – ‘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

The African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org) concluded its 2024 Annual Meetings with a reinforced mandate from its shareholders, allowing it to better align with the evolving global finance architecture and enhance its support for the continent.

Over the course of the five-day meetings, held in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, shareholders approved a $117 billion callable capital increase, raising the Bank’s total capital to $318 billion. This boost is intended to strengthen the Bank’s capacity for interventions across Africa.

“This is a major demonstration of the faith, of the confidence that our shareholders have in us,” said Bank president Akinwumi Adesina.. “Their confidence in our ability to use resources well, their confidence in our ability to mobilize more capital with what we have, and it will give us more liquidity as a bank to be able to do more.”

The theme of this year’s event, held from 27 – 31 May, was “Africa’s Transformation, the African Development Bank Group, and the Reform of the Global Financial Architecture.” Adesina emphasized the necessity for a fairer and more equitable global financial architecture and climate finance system, ensuring it benefits the countries that need it most.

The event saw Kenya pledging $20 million to the African Development Fund, the concessional window of the Bank Group serving 37 low-income countries. This pledge makes Kenya the largest regional member country contributor to the fund.

This year’s meetings attracted over 10,000 participants from Africa and beyond and marked the launch of the Bank’s 60th anniversary celebrations. Delegates included several African heads of state and government, Bank governors, executive directors, senior government leaders, development partners, the academia and civil society representatives.

Apart from statutory meetings, the event featured several side events and knowledge-sharing dialogue sessions, led by African and global experts. The Bank’s flagship African Economic Outlook report was also unveiled, revealing that African economies are demonstrating resilience despite challenging economic conditions. The report noted an average GDP growth of 3.7 percent for 2024, with a projected increase to 4.3 percent in 2025.

Adesina underscored the importance of Africa being central to the global financial architecture: “The Bank must continue to lead that charge. We need to be at the table. As Africans, we should believe in ourselves and write a new narrative for Africa. The growth of Africa will support the growth of the world with Africa at its heart.”

There was consensus that to achieve Africa’s structural transformation, there is need to improve the macroeconomic environment, domestic resource mobilization, tax collection, digitalization, formalizing the informal sector, tackling illicit capital flows and corruption, and improving the capacity of countries to better negotiate taxes and royalties from their vast natural resources.

Shareholders also strongly endorsed the creation of an African credit rating agency, designed to better understand and fairly assess the continent’s conditions.

“That African rating agency is not going to be a replacement for the global ratings agencies,” Adesina explained. “What the heads of state are saying is they want a counterpart institution that understands the conditions in the continent better.”

He stressed the need for reform in the global rating system: “The global rating system has to change. We need to create a fair response that rates African countries properly and with equity. Africa is not asking for a pass, but there needs to be a fair process that rates African countries properly. It’s about fairness, it’s about equity, it’s about making sure that both sovereign and non-sovereign are rated properly.”

In the final Communique, the Bank’s Governors, representing shareholders, highlighted several positive developments, including the Bank’s efforts to enhance food and nutrition security in Africa through its Feed Africa Strategy. They also expressed confidence in Africa’s ability to build a green energy infrastructure while pursuing a low-carbon future.

The Communique underscored the need for increased private sector investments to accelerate Africa’s transformation. It called on the Bank’s management to further strengthen support for regional member countries to help them achieve sustainable development goals.

The Governors welcomed efforts to secure over $1.5 billion in financing through the Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa (AFAWA) and to mainstream gender across all operations.

The Nairobi gathering marked the 59th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the African Development Bank and the 50th Meeting of the Board of Governors of the African Development Fund.

The meetings concluded with Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury and Economic Planning, Prof. Njuguna Ndung’U, chair of the 2024 event, handing over the baton to Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Economy, Planning, and Development, and Bank Governor, Niale Kaba, as the country prepares to host the 2025 Annual Meetings in Abidjan from May 26 to May 30, 2025.

The Bank will climax activities marking its 60th anniversary in September.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina’s closing speech: http://apo-opa.co/3VC554C
Official communiqué of the Boards of Governors
Pictures

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

Contact:
Jonathan Clayton,
Communication and External Relations Department,
media@afdb.org

About the African Development Bank Group: 
The African Development Bank Group is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 41 African countries with an external office in Japan, the Bank contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. For more information: www.AfDB.org

Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com) in partnership with African First Ladies and Ministries of Health and Medical societies provided more than 750 scholarships of one-year Post-Graduate Diploma and two-year Master Degree in Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Diabetes, Endocrinology and Obesity and Weight Management to doctors from 52 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America; These 760 scholarships are part of the total 1810 scholarships Merck Foundation provided to doctors from 52 countries in 42 critical and underserved medical specialties such as Oncology, Sexual and Reproductive Care, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Embryology&Fertility specialty, Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency and Resuscitation Medicine, Critical Care, Paediatric Emergency Medicine, Neonatal Medicine, Advanced Surgical Practice, Pain Management, General Surgery, Clinical Microbiology and infectious diseases, Internal Medicine, Trauma&Orthopaedics and many more.

Merck Foundation has released the First Animation films “Mark’s Pressure”, and “Sugar Free Jude”, which are adapted from their Children storybooks with the aim to raise awareness about early detection and prevention of Hypertension and Diabetes (which are corelated) and to Promote Healthy Lifestyle, amongst children and youth in Africa and beyond; Pan African TV Program “Our Africa” released by Merck Foundation addresses  Social and Health Issues such as Diabetes&Hypertension and promote Healthy Lifestyle in Africa through “Fashion and ART”, conceptualize and directed by Merck Foundation CEO, Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej; Click here to watch the Episode on Promoting Healthy Lifestyle: https://apo-opa.co/3xcowHN.

Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, marks ‘World Hypertension Day 2024’ together with Africa’s First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Medical Societies and Academia, through their “Nationwide Diabetes&Hypertension Blue Points Program” by providing scholarships for young doctors to transform the patient care landscape in the fields of Hypertension, Cardiology, Diabetes and Endocrinology, and by raising awareness in communities in Africa and beyond.

Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation stated, “At Merck Foundation we mark “World Hypertension Day” by improving access to quality and equitable Hypertension, Diabetes and Cardiovascular preventive care, which are all co-related, in Africa, Asia&Latin America.

Together with our Ambassadors – The First Ladies of Africa, and partners like Ministries of Health, Medical Societies and Academia, we have till today provided more than 750 scholarships to doctors from 52 countries, of One-year PG Diploma and Two-year Master degree in Preventive Cardiovascular, Diabetes, Endocrinology and Obesity&Weight Management, and also a special 3 month Diabetes Mastercourse in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish.

These scholarships have been provided to the young doctors to form a strong platform of experts nationwide, and not only from capitals or big cities.”

Merck Foundation has in total provided more than 1760 scholarships to doctors from 52 countries in 42 critical and underserved medical specialties.

Senator, Dr. Kelej further added “We recently launched new Fellowship Programs of One-year Clinical Cardiovascular care and One-year Clinical Diabetes, onsite training programs in India for African doctors. These programs will help us to to futher improve cardiovascular, Hypertension and Diabetes care in Africa and other developing countries.”

Dr. Victoria Mumbo, Merck Foundation alumnus from Kenya shares, “I have completed the post-graduate degree in Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, provided by Merck Foundation. I would like to extend my gratitude to Merck Foundation for this life changing opportunity. After the completion of this course, my approach towards patient management has changed. It has helped me to also educate the community about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle.”

Merck Foundation in partnership with African First Ladies have released  a children’s storybook and adapted animation Film “Mark’s Pressure” with an aim to focus on the causes of the early onset of hypertension and raising awareness about its early detection, prevention and management.

Through our new animation film “Mark’s Pressure”, we want to encourage our communities to reduce salt, stop sugar, exercise regularly, eat healthy and stop smoking, this is the only way to prevent and manage hypertension and diabetes, which are predominant risk factors for the development of several serious complications and diseases”, says Senator Rasha Kelej.

Watch the “Mark’s Pressure” Animation Film here: https://apo-opa.co/3KESlDY

Merck Foundation’s pan African TV program “Our Africa”, that is conceptualized, produced, directed, and co-hosted by Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and features African Fashion Designers, Singers, and prominent experts from various domains with the aim to raise awareness about social and health issues, has episodes dedicated to raise awareness about Diabetes and Promoting Healthy Lifestyle.

Watch the Episodes here:

https://apo-opa.co/3xcowHN

https://apo-opa.co/4c0zFuI

The show will be broadcasted on KTV in Kenya, every Saturday at 5:00 pm and repeated every Thursday at 6:30 am.

It is also currently on social media handles of Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej (Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4c0zGig), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4elnIRR), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/3XjHerU) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/3Ror6Bz) and Merck Foundation (Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3Xo85Db), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3RpjT4e), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/3yX2hpQ) and YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4aWQdSM).

Merck Foundation together with African First Ladies, also launch annually, the Awards for Media, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, Musicians/ Singers, and new potential talents in these fields from African countries to Promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

1. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2024 “Diabetes&Hypertension”: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2024.

2. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2024 “Diabetes&Hypertension”: All African Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents of Africa are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2024.

3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2024 “Diabetes&Hypertension”: All African Fashion Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2024.

4. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2024 “Diabetes&Hypertension”: All African Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension.

Submission deadline: 30th October 2024.

Entries for all the awards are to be submitted via email to:

submit@merck-foundation.com

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation.

Contact details:
Mehak Handa
Community Awareness Program Manager
+91 9310087613/ +91 9319606669
mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com

Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard!
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3Xo85Db
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/3yX2hpQ
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/4aWQdSM
Instagram: https://apo-opa.co/3RpjT4e
Threads: https://apo-opa.co/3XezxDf
Flickr: https://apo-opa.co/3VC5C6E
Website: www.Merck-Foundation.com
Download the Merck Foundation App: https://apo-opa.co/3ySWuBH

About Merck Foundation:
The Merck Foundation, established in 2017, is the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people and advance their lives through science and technology. Our efforts are primarily focused on improving access to quality&equitable healthcare solutions in underserved communities, building healthcare and scientific research capacity and empowering people in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) with a special focus on women and youth. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website.  Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/3Xo85Db), Twitter (https://apo-opa.co/3yX2hpQ), Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/3RpjT4e), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/4aWQdSM) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/3VC5C6E).

Africa Tech Festival (https://apo-opa.co/4bSxObf), the continent’s leading platform for technology innovators, specialists, and thought leaders, has announced that registration for the 2024 edition of its highly anticipated event will open on Monday, 10 June.

Now in its 27th edition, Africa Tech Festival 2024 runs from 11 to 14 November at the Cape Town International Convention Centre in South Africa. The Africa Tech Festival Exhibition takes place at the same venue between 12 and 14 November.

Africa Tech Festival brings together stakeholders from across all spheres of Africa’s technology arena to connect, collaborate, and drive innovation. From startup founders to business leaders, policymakers, investors, and rising newcomers, the festival aims to build a more inclusive and sustainable world through technology.

Comprising four anchor events – AfricaCom, AfricaTech, AfricaIgnite and AI Summit Cape Town – Africa Tech Festival is Africa’s biggest showcase of enterprise tech innovation across key sectors like telecoms, connectivity, cybersecurity, cloud and data centres, green ICT, and media and entertainment. With a focus on showcasing how Africa’s cultural stories are being told through technology, the festival aims to drive positive change and foster collaboration within the African tech ecosystem.

Africa Tech Festival is expected to draw over 15,000 attendees from across the continent and the world, who can look forward to insights from more than 300 exhibitors, and 450 speakers throughout the week.

Topics of discussion at the AfricaCom and AfricaTech anchor events range from the latest tech trends to innovations in telco transformation; meaningful connectivity; AI’s real-world applications across African sectors; innovations in fintech, cloud and cybersecurity; and bold solutions to the biggest challenges across enterprise industry verticals.

AfricaIgnite focuses on the startup ecosystem, with discussions covering everything you need to know to successfully launch a startup, to exclusive networking and members-only events.

The AI Summit Cape Town 2024 is part of the AI Summit Series, a global leader in AI events since 2016. Making its debut at Africa Tech Festival, attendees can expect a dynamic programme exploring how this transformative technology can create a brighter future for Africa. This includes thought-provoking discussions, cutting-edge presentations and plenty of networking opportunities. 

-“Africa’s technology landscape is growing at a rapid rate. On a continent where the number of e-commerce (https://apo-opa.co/45lCe7L) users is expected to grow to over 152 million by 2029 and tech startups (https://apo-opa.co/3KCgH1e) are attracting significant local and international investment, Africa Tech Festival is a hands-on demonstration of the power of cross-industry collaboration to create collective value,” said James Williams, Event Director of Africa Tech Festival. “By bringing together key players from across the tech ecosystem, we provide the perfect forum for Africa’s tech sector to connect, learn and ultimately collaborate to drive innovation and positive change.”

“This year, we’re excited to unveil a more technical and targeted content lineup, accompanied by enhanced networking opportunities, Williams added. “We’re building on our reputation as the continent’s biggest tech event, to deliver value-driven experiences that empower attendees to make lasting connections and drive tangible outcomes.”

As well as the world-class content, Africa Tech Festival 2024 is also home to an exciting series of networking and social features, including:

AFest: The biggest celebration in African tech, the renowned Africa Tech Festival Day 1 party with drinks, dancing, and live entertainment with 2000 revellers.
LeadersIn Africa Summit 2024: An exclusive, VIP series of executive roundtable discussions designed to facilitate actionable dialogue between the 100 of the continent’s most influential tech players. This year in a beautiful new off-site venue.
Africa Tech Festival Awards: Celebrating the people, projects and organisations leveraging technology to deliver socioeconomic development.
Next-Gen Summit: Aimed at educating and enabling the next generation of African tech leaders, this new feature will host content, workshops and networking.
EQL:HER Lounge: A space dedicated to connecting and inspiring Africa’s female business leaders, inspirational founders, senior investors, and emerging tech pioneers.
InspiringFifty Africa Awards: A prestigious ceremony recognising the top 50 women making strides in tech careers across the African continent.
Bespoke Networking Features: A host of new sector-, function-, and challenge-led networking features curated to connect you with the leaders most critical to your business goals.

Register now to secure your spot and join us in shaping the future of technology in Africa: https://apo-opa.co/3RlNrQ6

Top Africa Tech Festival 2024 Speakers already confirmed:

Funke Opeke, CEO, MainOne
Nollie Maoto, Chief Data and Analytics Officer – Merchant Services, FNB South Africa
Prasanna Kumar Burri, Group Chief Information Officer, Dangote Group
Simbah Mutasa, Managing Director, Bank of America
Sithembile Songo, CISO, Eskom Holdings SOC
Leo Skarlatos, CEO, AT (formerly Airtel Tigo)
Faith Burn, Chief Information Officer, Eskom Holdings SOC
Mary Mahuma, CIO, Southern Africa, Philip Morris
Samwel Magesa, Chief Data Officer, NBC Bank
Norbert Prihoda, Deputy CEO, Tunisie Telecom

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.

About Africa Tech Festival:
Africa Tech Festival, including anchor events AfricaCom, AfricaTech, AfricaIgnite&AI Summit Cape Town is part of the Informa Tech Connecting Africa event series. 

A vibrant celebration of Africa’s diverse community of tech champions, Africa Tech Festival is the largest tech and digital connectivity conference and exhibition in Africa, attracting hundreds of exhibitors, more than 450 speakers and more than 15000 delegates.