Canon Europe (www.Canon-CNA.com) introduces the CJ27ex7.3B IASE T (https://apo-opa.co/3xylBZV) to capture 4K HDR image quality with incredible wide-angle and telephoto versatility, featuring a newly developed e-Xs V drive unit. Set to redefine industry standards, this portable zoom lens is compatible with 4K broadcast cameras equipped with 2/3-inch sensors and offers a best-in-class 7.3-197mm focal length range and a 2.0x optical extender.

This latest innovation from Canon expands its UHDxs series, delivering users greater flexibility and an elevated shooting experience across various scenarios including live broadcasting, news gathering and studio production.

Cover more from studios to stadiums with the widest focal length range of a Canon portable broadcast lens

The CJ27ex7.3B IASE T lens features the widest coverage and telephoto reach currently on the market in its category. The lens delivers powerful class-leading magnification with a 27x optical zoom ranging from a remarkable 7.3mm wide angle to 197mm focal length at the telephoto end, making it the most versatile option for getting the desired shot.

Coupled with a built-in 2.0x extender that unlocks the ability to double maximum reach to 394mm, the lens ensures that optical performance is standard across all shooting scenarios. From capturing close-ups of athletes on the field to vast landscapes, the lens offers greater versatility for every eventuality.

Designed for high-end applications with an emphasis on optical performance

From the centre of the screen to the edges, high quality 4K HDR performance is a standout feature of the lens. High resolution imagery is a guarantee with its advanced technologies such as the multi-group zoom and floating focus system.

Created with broadcast standards in mind, advanced chromatic aberrations correction and cutting-edge coating technologies ensure sharp and accurate rendering of subjects.

Powerful next generation drive unit

The CJ27ex7.3B IASE T is the first lens to feature the upgraded e-Xs V drive unit, setting new standards in operability and functionality. With three 20-pin connectors, a newly added USB-C port for various applications including remote control and firmware updates, and a 16-bit encoder for precise lens data output, the unit is an ideal choice for a variety of shooting scenarios including virtual productions and on-the-move broadcasting.

With the ability to operate with greater precision, high speed zoom and improved iris responsiveness, the e-Xs V drive unit empowers camera operators to capture fast-moving subjects without the fear of missing the moment. Beyond this, an integrated focus breathing compensation promises consistently smooth shots by automatically correcting fluctuations (only applicable to UHDxs series lenses).

A lightweight and compact body enhanced by superior ergonomics

The durable lens prioritises ease of mobility in its design, maximising comfort for the user. Featuring a 2.10kg (approximate) lightweight and compact body, along with a re-designed drive unit, the ergonomic design ensures excellent manoeuvrability in multiple broadcasting scenarios.

Jack Adair, Product Specialist at Canon Europe, said: “With its wide focal range, unparalleled optical performance, and advanced features, this lens truly redefines what professionals can expect from broadcasting equipment. The lens and supporting drive unit represent a culmination of our commitment to innovation and empowering users to capture stunning footage whether that’s in the great outdoors or in studio. It is the first of a new generation of broadcast lenses in a line we will continue to expand.”

Click here to know more about the product: https://apo-opa.co/3xylBZV

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 (https://apo-opa.co/3T4u12k) – ‘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 

Angola aims to achieve long-term energy security and industrial growth by leveraging its 9 billion barrels of oil and 11 trillion cubic feet of natural gas resources. Growing the technical and financial capabilities of local entities like Angolan upstream player ACREP are crucial for ensuring the continued and sustainable development of the country’s hydrocarbon resources.

In line with its commitment to drive investment in Angola’s oil and gas market, ACREP has joined the African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energy 2024 conference – taking place from 4 – 8 November in Cape Town – as a Silver Co-Sponsor of the “Invest in Angola” roundtable. Featuring the country’s key energy policymakers, regulators and private sector players, the roundtable will outline the latest projects and current investment and partnership opportunities shaping Angola’s energy industry.

ACREP is one of Angola’s leading indigenous explorers and has played a pivotal role in driving upstream activity for the past two decades. ACREP has drilled over 15 wells, resulting in two marginal discoveries in the onshore Cabinda Norte Block, and has invested over $80 million in exploration activities since 2004. In addition to maintaining oil production above 1.18 million barrels per day, Angola is also aiming to diversify its energy mix, with a 25% target set for gas in the energy mix by 2025.

Earlier this year, ACREP was awarded the license to operate Block KON 19 as part of Angola’s latest bid round. The company’s exploration activities in the block are set to generate new investments in Angola’s upstream market. In Block 1/14 – where the firm carries a 10% interest – ACREP is working with Azule Energy to unlock the asset’s full potential, with two wells slated for drilling in the first half of 2024 and 2025.

ACREP acquired operatorship and a 55% interest in the Cabinda Sul Block last year – comprising six producing oil and gas fields – and is looking to develop synergies between the two onshore Cabinda assets. With ACREP seeking exploration partners on the block, AEW: Invest in African Energy 2024 represents the premier platform for the firm to connect with potential investors and showcase its latest developments. The company is also seeking investment for a 25 MW gas-fired power plant in Cabinda, affirming its commitment to creating power sector synergies and establishing an integrated gas value chain.

“ACREP’s success in Angola and evolution into an onshore operator is a testament to the skill set, dynamism and vision of local players in the sector. The Chamber welcomes ACREP as a Co-Sponsor of the Invest in Angola roundtable, where investment opportunities across Angola’s energy value chain will be showcased, operational updates will be given and new partnerships will be formed,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber.

AEW 2024 serves as a crucial meeting place for global leaders, stakeholders, governments, and energy companies to discuss Africa’s growing projects, strengthen partnerships, and finalize new deals. With its extensive program, the conference will showcase Africa’s diverse energy industry, providing valuable insights and opportunities for all participants.

To explore involvement in Africa’s energy advancement, please visit www.AECWeek.com for further details on participation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

Hospitality has bounced back remarkably after the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, emerging as one of the best-performing asset classes in 2023. This resurgence is particularly notable in Nairobi. The strategic position of Kenya’s capital city serves as an East African hub for various industries, including corporate, government, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), embassies and tourism, which makes it an attractive destination for hospitality and residence brands. The increasing and diversifying demand for accommodation is creating meaningful opportunities for market expansion and business growth.

This buoyant view reflects the insights of the thought leaders who will explore opportunities in East Africa’s fastest growing and most resurgent sector at the 11th annual East Africa Property Investment (EAPI) Summit Hospitality&Residences Forum on 17 and April 2024 in Nairobi, Kenya. The forum will cover key hospitality trends, from greening to financing, development, resorts, safari, and more, creating a crucial platform for stakeholders in the hospitality and residence sectors.

The event will convene at the landmark Radisson Blu Upperhill, which recently received an EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiency) rating, showcasing East Africa’s potential for sustainable and efficient hospitality development.

Radisson Hotel Group is the lead sponsor of the EAPI Hospitality Forum, and its Senior Director, Development – Sub-Sahara Africa, Daniel Trappler, is a guest speaker at the gathering. Looking at the hospitality market, Trappler reports that demand drivers are creating the need for accommodation in Nairobi — both short stay and long stay. “As demand continues to grow in all segments, this has balanced the influx of international and regional brands developing over the past decade, sidestepping the potential risk of oversupply. Hotel operators can continue to benefit from good business by operating hotels in the East African hub.”

Trappler highlights that hospitality is a key economic driver, employment creator and focal property type in regions throughout East Africa.

Fiona Craw, JLL’s Vice President – Hotels&Hospitality Group, Sub-Saharan Africa, reports that JLL is seeing growing interest from investors, especially in markets such as Nairobi and Zanzibar. Craw also notes that private equity funds have been key in driving the transaction market in Nairobi over the past 48 months. “Hotels globally are emerging as a preferred asset class with global revenue per available room (RevPAR) recovering well, driven by strengthening urban performance. While the hospitality sector was the most severely affected by the pandemic, it has been one of the fastest asset classes to recover across Africa and East Africa.”

Even so, Craw points out that access to capital for hotel developments will remain challenging in the short term. The resultant significantly lower pipeline of new developments across the region has created a strong performance narrative for existing hotels. “This was evident in 2023 with the Nairobi hotel market achieving higher occupancies and average daily rates than in 2019 pre-pandemic,” says Craw, adding, “A key change driving demand is accessibility.”

Nairobi’s infrastructure has grown significantly, sparking investment not only in the hospitality sector but broadly across all real estate asset classes. A game changer for the Nairobi hotel market was the opening of the Express Way in 2022, creating ease of access between Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and Westlands, the key commercial hub. “As a result, hospitality brands have been increasing their presence over the years, with all the key operators and brands actively looking at expanding their portfolio not only in Nairobi but across secondary cities in Kenya,” reveals Craw.

This expansion is opening doors for development-focused regions to construct hotels designed and operated for high efficiency, resulting in utilities cost savings for owners, lower future regulatory capex requirements and better access to green funding. “Moreover, embedding environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles into hotel management agreements aligns the goals of the property owners and operators since investors and stakeholders are paying more attention to these aspects in the hospitality sector.” Africa is rapidly advancing in sustainable hotel practices.

Focusing on the short-term rental and residence sectors in Nairobi, Eleni Georgopoulou, Founder and CEO of YourHost Ltd, says demand is growing significantly, driven by factors such as economic growth, improved transport connectivity, the burgeoning middle class, and online booking platforms. “The likes of Airbnb, Booking.com, and VRBO have revolutionised the hospitality industry. People now have access to a wide range of accommodation options, including short-term rentals, making it more convenient and accessible to both domestic and international travellers.”

While demand is being met with adequate supply, and there are concerted efforts to continually improve the experiences at these properties, Georgopoulou notes that there is still room to do more. “It is crucial to ensure that there are enough properties to cater to a wide range of budgets and preferences to ensure customer satisfaction. Developers are actively constructing new properties and refurbishing existing ones to meet travellers’ changing preferences. They are introducing fresh, modern designs, prioritising and expanding their guest services, instilling guest confidence with robust security measures, embracing sustainability practices and green principles, and integrating smart technology to make stays seamless.”

Commenting on Radisson Hotel Group’s sponsorship of the event, Trappler says, “Radisson Hotel Group is proud to sponsor this year’s EAPI Hospitality Forum, which is a strong platform to display the growth of the market and further understand how its players are performing and evolving. As our group pushes more to enter both the Tanzania/Zanzibar and Ugandan markets, meeting players from these regions is hugely valuable, and not just those from the hospitality space, but also the larger real estate sector in general.”

The Hospitality&Residences Forum of the 11th East Africa Property Investment Summit will take place on 17 April 2024 at Radisson Blu, Upper Hill, Nairobi, Kenya. For more information and to book a place at the EAPI Summit visit https://EAPISummit.com.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of API Events.

Distributed by API Events:
EAPI Summit enquires: 
Murray Anderson-Ogle
Murray@apievents.com
+27 71 890 77 39
Website: www.APIEvents.com

Africa Data Centres and DPA SA (https://DPA-SA.co.za/) have broken ground on their solar farm in the Free State; The first phase will see power getting wheeled to its CPT1 facility; The second phase will see power being supplied to JHB1 and JHB2 once wheeling agreements with relevant municipalities conclude.

Africa Data Centres, a business of the Cassava Technologies group, is pleased to announce that it has broken ground on the construction of a solar farm in the Free State in collaboration with DPA Southern Africa.

This announcement forms a crucial component of the 20-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) inked in March 2023 with DPA Southern Africa a joint company of the French utility, EDF. The objective of the Free State farm is to furnish renewable energy to Africa Data Centres sites, commencing with its cutting-edge, carrier-neutral data centre in Cape Town, the CPT1 facility.

According to Cassava Technologies’ President and Group CEO, Hardy Pemhiwa, “This initiative positions Africa Data Centres as a trailblaser in the data centre industry in responding to South Africa’s energy crisis through sustainable technology solutions. This is in line with a broader industry shift towards innovative, eco-friendly practices. The strategic use of solar power showcases technology’s role in pioneering solutions for energy challenges and environmental sustainability”.

Furthermore, Tesh Durvasula, CEO of Africa Data Centres, underscores the commitment to powering all data centres with clean, renewable energy sources. “Today’s announcement represents a significant stride in our initiative to energise South African data centres sustainably, advancing our objective of achieving carbon neutrality. The first phase involves constructing the 12MW solar infrastructure to power our Cape Town data centre, with subsequent phases extending to our Johannesburg data centres.”

Nawfal El Fadil, the CEO of DPA SA, states, “Africa Data Centres, as a pioneer in the data centre industry, has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability, aligning seamlessly with our company’s values. We are thrilled and honoured to contribute to Africa Data Centres’ mission of achieving carbon neutrality, beginning with the establishment of this solar power plant in the Free State to serve their data centre in Cape Town. At the heart of our collaboration lies a shared understanding that the path to carbon neutrality extends beyond infrastructure—it demands innovation, expertise, and collective determination to overcome challenges. DPA SA, backed by EDF’s legacy, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in delivering high-quality, sustainable energy solutions to this partnership.”

“We take immense pride in supporting Africa Data Centres on this journey, being among the pioneers in launching a wheeling solar plant, thereby paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future in South Africa,” adds Nawfal El Fadil.

This project is a key element of Africa Data Centres’ ambitious plans to emerge as the most sustainable colocation provider on the continent. “Beyond procuring renewable energy, our commitment to an efficiency strategy has earned us the internationally recognised ISO50001 certification for the effective operation of our data centres,” Durvasula elaborates.

“Data centres worldwide face scrutiny for their reliance on grid power and renewables, and Africa is no exception. Africa Data Centres is actively addressing this issue by generating renewable energy, alleviating strain on the local grid. Additionally, our sustainability objectives encompass achieving net-zero status at all facilities, making this project another significant stride towards reaching that goal,” concludes Durvasula.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of DPA Southern Africa.

Follow Africa Data Centres on:
Twitter: https://apo-opa.co/4cKzd4r
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/446fpol
Facebook: https://apo-opa.co/3TSkVGa 
YouTube: https://apo-opa.co/3NcwWnp

About Africa Data Centres:
Africa Data Centres is your trusted partner for rapid and secure data centre services and interconnections across the African continent.

Africa Data Centres is Africa’s largest network of interconnected, carrier and cloud-neutral data centre facilities. Bringing international experts to the pan-African market. We are your trusted partner for rapid and secure data centre services and interconnections across the African continent. Strategically located, our world-class facilities provide a home for all your business-critical data. Proudly African, we are dedicated to being the heart that beats your business.

Africa Data Centres’ aim is to unveil various business opportunities and to develop a strategic network of partnerships. This will further strengthen Africa Data Centres’ superiority in providing our customers with the highest standard of interconnected, carrier and cloud-neutral data centre facilities throughout Africa. www.AfricaDataCentres.com/

About Cassava Technologies:
Cassava Technologies is a technology leader providing a vertically integrated ecosystem of digital services and infrastructure enabling digital transformation. Launched in 2021, the company was born out of a need to create a digitally connected future that leaves no African behind.  Through its subsidiaries, namely, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Liquid Dataport, Liquid C2, Africa Data Centres, Distributed Power Africa, Sasai Fintech and Telrad, Cassava is a multinational technology company that has operations across key growth markets like Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the United States of America. Cassava provides its customers in 94 countries with offerings that will help them grow, transform, and expand their operations. https://apo-opa.co/3U7rdmB   

About DPA Southern Africa:
DPA Southern Africa, a joint company of the French utility EDF and Distributed Power Africa, is at the forefront of the Southern African renewable energy market for businesses, laying the foundation for a sustainable and environmentally conscious future in South Africa and beyond.

Our commitment is to assist companies in achieving carbon neutrality and cost savings simultaneously by providing tailor-made renewable energy solutions that meet the specific needs of businesses. Our comprehensive offerings include on-site, wheeling, and storage solutions, offering businesses a holistic approach to sustainable energy management.