The African Diplomatic Corps and leaders from the Canadian government and business gathered in Canada’s capital, for the Africa Day Awards Ceremony with the African Group of Ambassadors in Ottawa and Pont-Bridge.

Garreth Bloor, President of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, received the 2024 Zambezi-Kilimanjaro Excellence Award, ‘in recognition of your exceptional contribution to promote relations between Canada and Africa’.

Awarded by The Group of African Ambassadors in Ottawa, fellow award recipients during the evening included former Governor General of Canada Michaëlle Jean, who received the Canada-Africa Friendship Baobab Charter Menden Award.

“In the context of the 2024 Zambezi-Kilimanjaro Excellence Award, I am honoured but must recognize a few leaders who have played a key role in the Chamber’s massive expansion – taking Canadian companies to African markets. By far none more so of late than retired Ambassador, Paula Caldwell St-Onge (https://apo-opa.co/3wSWJMs), Chair of the Board of Directors,” said Bloor.

The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business recently celebrated its 30th Anniversary, with messages from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Hon. Minister Mary Ng, responsible for international trade, and Premier Doug Ford, of the Province of Ontario.

In addition to recent programs in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, South Africa and the United States, upcoming conferences in Zimbabwe as well as across Canada are among a range of events on the organization’s 2024 calendar.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Canada-Africa Chamber of Business.

Canon’s (Canon-CNA.com) Miraisha Programme focuses on delivering job opportunities and future livelihoods to young people across Africa through skills workshops, training programmes and enterprise support; The programme has educated more than 7000+ future professionals across the continent, helping them to gain qualifications, secure employment and set up their own businesses. 

Canon Central and North Africa, a global leader in imaging solutions, proudly announces the 10th anniversary of its Miraisha Programme, marking a decade of empowering young Africans through skills development and job opportunities. Since its inception, the Miraisha Programme has achieved significant milestones, including the establishment of 33 partnerships with various organisations, the training of over 7,000 participants, and a target to train 10,000 participants by 2027. 

Aligning with Canon’s corporate philosophy of Kyosei, which means living and working together for the common good, the Miraisha Programme fosters job opportunities in Africa by providing workshops for photographers, videographers, filmmakers, and print business owners. The name ‘Miraisha’ is a fusion of Japanese and Swahili, symbolising the programme’s cross-cultural approach.  

Since 2014, the Miraisha Programme has worked with a wide range of organisations across Africa, including Kenyatta University, Kenya Film Commission (KFC), Kenya Photography Awards, Yabba College of Technology in Nigeria, Uganda Press Photo Award (UPPA), The NRB Bus, Zebra Productions Kenya LTD, and Lens on Life, PEFTI Film Institute in Nigeria and National Film&TV Institute of Ghana (NAFTI) amongst many other organisations and events. The programme has played an instrumental role in fostering future livelihoods across the African continent. 

“We are excited to celebrate the 10th anniversary of our Miraisha Programme, which embodies our ongoing commitment to empowering youth and supporting sustainable development across Africa,” says Somesh Adukia, Managing Director of Canon Central and North Africa. “This programme has been instrumental in fostering talent, creating opportunities, and catalysing positive change. As we reflect on a decade of impact, we reaffirm our dedication to nurturing talent and driving societal progress through initiatives like Miraisha. 

“Our company’s purpose goes beyond making profits; it’s about serving communities and enhancing people’s lives. We recognise the critical importance of developing skills and promoting livelihoods, particularly in regions like Africa, where growth opportunities are paramount. As the Miraisha Programme enters its second decade, Canon looks forward to expanding its reach and empowering even more young people to pursue their passions and build successful careers in the imaging industry.” 

To celebrate this significant milestone, the company has planned a series of activities throughout the anniversary year. These activities include a portfolio review exclusively for photographers residing in Africa, with a specialized focus on documentary and wedding photography. Upon submission, selected portfolios will undergo comprehensive reviews by Canon experts, offering participants valuable insights and constructive feedback. 

Chosen individuals will be rewarded with  personalised mentorship, allowing them to refine their craft and further develop their skills under the guidance of seasoned professionals within the industry.  

Furthermore, as part of the commemoration, Canon will issue a coffee table book, showcasing the outstanding work and achievements of both Miraisha students and Canon trainers throughout the past decade. This visually stunning publication will serve as a tribute portraying the talents and dedication cultivated within the programme, highlighting inspiring success stories and key projects undertaken by participants.  

Additionally, there will be panel discussions conducted in collaboration with Miraisha partners and Canon, focusing on key topics such as the programme’s vital role in addressing skills gaps across Africa. These will serve as a platform for in-depth exploration and exchange of ideas, aiming to shed light on the challenges and opportunities within the industry.  These discussions will also lay the groundwork for the development of future feature articles, providing a comprehensive analysis and commentary derived from the insights garnered during the talks.  

The Miraisha Programme will also offer online training master classes conducted by industry experts in both English and French. These sessions, available via social media registration, will cater to passionate photographers and filmmakers, offering invaluable skills development opportunities. Centered on the business aspects of photography, they will empower attendees with the expertise and acumen necessary to either initiate their own ventures or enhance their current business models and strategies.Through a variety of courses, participants will have the chance to dive deeper into their craft, refine their techniques, and acquire new skills under the guidance of seasoned professionals.  

Canon remains committed to nurturing young talent and driving positive change in Africa through initiatives like the Miraisha Programme. By providing access to essential skills, mentorship opportunities, and resources, the company aims to unlock the full potential of the continent’s vibrant youth demographic, driving economic growth, innovation, and societal progress.  

Click here to learn more about the programme- https://apo-opa.co/4aEV8Yy

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 (apo-opa.co/3SvVhrS)– ‘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 Council today decided to not extend the European Union military partnership mission in Niger (EUMPM) beyond 30 June 2024, in view of the grave current political situation in the country.

The mission was established in December 2022 at the request of the former Nigerien authorities to enhance the ability of the Niger Armed Forces to contain the terrorist threat, protect the population in the country and ensure a safe and secure environment in compliance with human rights law and international humanitarian law. The agreed initial duration was of three years;

On 26 July 2023, a military coup attempted to oust democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. Two days after, General Tchiani, chief of the Presidential guard, proclaimed himself President of the Conseil national pour la sauvegarde de la patrie (CNSP).

The EU immediately condemned the coup in the strongest terms, and in October 2023 it created a framework for restrictive measures in view of the situation in Niger to be able to target those who undermine the stability, democracy, rule of law in the country, and constitute a threat to peace and security in the region.

On 4 December 2023, Niger junta announced that it would terminate the agreement establishing the legal basis for the deployment of the EUCAP Sahel Niger mission and the EU Military Partnership Mission in Niger (EUMPM Niger).

On 5 December, the High Representative expressed his regret over such decision.

By letter dated 21 December 2023, the Mission Commander, Lieutenant-General Michiel van der Laan, notified the Council that the EU personnel of EUMPM Niger had been redeployed to Europe.

On 23 April 2024, the Political and Security Committee agreed that EUMPM Niger should not be extended beyond 30 June 2024

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Council of the European Union.

In South Sudan, livestock plays a pivotal role for communities, enabling them to be economically empowered.

However, often, animal breeders do not have access to adequate veterinary assistance.

To help bridge this gap, Indian veterinarians serving with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) recently provided free veterinary services for livestock owners in Kodok, Upper Nile.

Some 1,494 animals were treated for numerous infections, including parasitic infestations, diarrhea, anemia, pneumonia, and tick infestations.

It’s an essential task that the Blue Helmets are happy to take on, said Lieutenant-Colonel Manoj Yadav.

“Our job as peacekeepers is clear—we are in South Sudan to protect civilians as well as boost trust and confidence,” he averred.

“As a veterinary doctor, I have the privilege to see firsthand the immediate impact of our assistance on the communities we are on the ground to serve. I believe we make a fundamental difference by ensuring that their animals are healthy, and they can eke out sustainable livelihoods,” he added.

In addition to medical treatments, Indian peacekeepers also boosted capacities among livestock owners on disease prevention, the importance of rotational grazing and habitat management.

“It’s not enough for us to treat diseased animals. We make every effort to engage livestock breeders and empower them with necessary knowledge on animal management best practices,” explained Dr. Yadav. 

Yagub Olam, a cattle owner, is appreciative of this initiative.

“It’It is not always easy for us to provide the best for our animals and this free veterinary camp by Indian peacekeepers has benefited us greatly. I hope they will continue to help us,” he said with a smile. 

Joseph Aban, County Commissioner of Fashoda, echoed these sentiments.

“We request UNMISS to conduct more such veterinary aid drives in future, which will go a long way in maintaining a healthy livestock population and improving the overall quality of life for community members,” he stated.

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