The 61st anniversary of the establishment of the African Unity, now known as the African Union, was commemorated at Asmara Palace Hotel on 14 June. The event was attended by senior Government and PFDJ officials, Ambassadors, members of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of UN organizations in Eritrea, and other guests.

The program was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Eritrea and the Embassies of African countries in Eritrea.

Mr. Osman Saleh, Minister of Foreign Affairs, highlighted that 2024 marks six decades since the foundation of the Organization of African Unity and two decades since the establishment of the African Union. Minister Osman Saleh emphasized that this day is significant as Africans on the continent and worldwide come together to celebrate Africa Day, the continent’s most opportune event.

Minister Osman noted that African problems can only be addressed by Africans. However, he mentioned that Africa often relies on foreign aid and assistance. He stressed that this day should remind us of the necessity to work together to build a strong and self-sufficient African Union capable of driving its development.

Mr. Percy Kumsha, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa in Eritrea, acknowledged that African countries face challenges such as poverty, inequality, climate change, and political instability. However, he also pointed out that Africa has immense opportunities in technology, renewable energy, and youth empowerment and that effort should continue towards a prosperous and united Africa.

The Organization of African Unity was established in 1963 and transformed into the African Union in 2002.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

A cultural program in connection with Martyrs Day, 20 June, was organized by artists at Cinema Roma on 15 June under the theme “Our Arts to Our Martyrs”. The event was coordinated by the Commission of Culture and Sports and was participated in by veterans and young artists.

The objective of the program was to remember the martyrs who paid their precious lives for their people and country and to renew the pledge to live up to the expectations of the martyrs.

In related news, a tree planting program in connection with Martyrs Day is being carried out in the port city of Massawa. The program was attended by residents of the city, Government employees, and students. The program, which commenced at the beginning of June, included the cultivation of trees at the Martyrs Cemetery in Kutmia, as well as in the areas of Segalet Qetan, Idaga, Salina plain, and Adis-Alem.

Indicating that the tree planting initiative, conducted since 2021 at educational institutions, religious sites, individual homes, and entertainment centers, has yielded commendable results, Mr. Haile Asfaha, Mayor of the port city of Massawa, stated that the day is a reminder for every citizen to respond practically to the Martyrs Trust. He also called for the sustainability of the program.

Similarly, sportspeople in Mai-Mine sub-zone conducted a popular campaign in connection with Martyrs Day at the Martyrs Cemetery in their area. A blood donation program was also conducted in Mendefera sub-zone, organized by the National Voluntary Blood Donors Association.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo said the war in Ukraine has negatively affected the economies of African countries and caused high inflation.

Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said that the war in Ukraine has an impact on Africa, as it has affected African economies, living standards, and high inflation. Ghana is interested in participating in efforts to find a solution to end the war. Akufo-Addo said this at the end of the Global Peace Summit, UNN reports.

We are against this idea of colonialism, of domination in the world, but in this context we look at Russian aggression in Ukraine. The consequences of this aggression go far beyond the conflict. Africa became an accidental victim of this conflict, supply chains were disrupted. This has had a terrible impact on our economies, on living standards, on high inflation. Food prices have skyrocketed and these are some of the consequences of the invasion and so we have an interest in participating in efforts to find a solution to this conflict. A solution to the conflict must be based on a comprehensive, just, lasting peace based on the principles of international law and the UN Charter.

Akufo-Addo said.

He added that it is necessary to find ways to engage Russia and China in the process of ending the war.

Recall

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking at the second plenary session of the Global Peace Summit, said that the participants made the right choice, the choice of two security and one humanitarian item, to start moving towards restoring full security and a just peace. The dialogue has taken place and it is clear that it can have very practical consequences.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

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
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APO Group – PR Agency
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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