Canon Central and North Africa, a leading global imaging solutions provider, celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Miraisha Programme, highlighting a decade of transformative impact across Africa.
The milestone event, held at KCA University, underscored the program’s significant contributions to developing future professionals in photography, filmmaking, and related creative fields.
Since its launch in 2014, the Miraisha Programme has provided education and support to over 7,000 aspiring creatives across Africa through various skills workshops, training programs, and enterprise support initiatives. This decade-long commitment has helped numerous individuals gain qualifications, secure employment, and establish their own businesses in the creative industry.
A key highlight of the anniversary event was Canon’s announcement of 10 new scholarships for selected African students. These scholarships are designed to support a one-year course at prestigious institutions such as KCA University in Kenya, PEFTI Film Institute in Nigeria, and IFCPA/CRTV in Cameroon. The students, chosen by the Miraisha team, trainers, and partners, represent the diverse regions where the program has made a significant impact.
In addition to the scholarships, Canon unveiled a visually stunning coffee table book documenting the Miraisha Programme’s journey over the past decade. This comprehensive publication features success stories from previous scholarship recipients and highlights the outstanding contributions of trainers and students involved in the program.
Somesh Adukia, Managing Director of Canon Central and North Africa, expressed pride in the program’s achievements, stating, “We are incredibly proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Miraisha programme. This decade has seen remarkable transformations and inspiring stories from across Africa. Miraisha embodies Canon’s commitment to nurturing talent and creating opportunities in the creative industry. By providing scholarships and launching this coffee table book, we continue to invest in the future of African photographers and filmmakers, ensuring their stories are told and their voices heard.”
The event also featured a keynote address by Timothy Owase, CEO of the Kenya Film Commission, who praised Miraisha for its role in empowering African talent. Owase highlighted the program’s efforts in providing invaluable opportunities and resources to emerging photographers and filmmakers.
The celebration was attended by a distinguished audience, including representatives from KCA University, the Kenya Film Classification Board, and various partner organizations such as Film Lecturers and Trainers Association of Kenya (FLETA-K), The NRB Bus, Ishara Mara, Zebra Productions Kenya Ltd, and the Elimu Project. The event also saw the participation of Miraisha trainers and alumni students.
A photography exhibition showcasing student work allowed attendees to interact with the students and gain insights into their creative processes. Canon also honored the contributions of the program’s trainers with certificates and speeches. Additionally, a training session titled “How to Make a Successful Photography Business,” led by Canon Certified Trainer Georgina Goodwin, provided valuable insights on building a brand presence, presenting to clients, and understanding client expectations.
Since its inception, the Miraisha Programme has formed 33 partnerships with various organizations, trained over 7,000 participants, and aims to reach 10,000 participants by 2027. The program has collaborated with institutions such as Kenyatta University, Kenya Film Commission, Yaba College of Technology in Nigeria, and the National Film & TV Institute of Ghana, among others.
In line with Canon’s corporate philosophy of Kyosei, which emphasizes working together for the common good, Miraisha promotes job opportunities in Africa by offering workshops for photographers, videographers, filmmakers, and print business owners. The name ‘Miraisha,’ blending Japanese and Swahili, reflects the program’s cross-cultural approach.
As Miraisha enters its second decade, Canon is committed to expanding its reach and empowering a greater number of young people across Africa. The next phase will involve increasing partnerships with educational institutions, government bodies, and industry leaders to offer more comprehensive training and development opportunities.
The program aims to foster a new generation of talented creatives, contributing significantly to the continent’s economic growth and ensuring that African creative voices continue to thrive and inspire globally. Kenya Film Commission CEO Timothy Owase emphasized the potential of creative arts to generate substantial income and sustainable economic opportunities, underscoring the importance of investing in local talent and providing access to technology for telling impactful stories.