Canon Central and North Africa partners with MAK to shape next generation of creatives
Canon Academy Photo & Video workshops, journalism training, and virtual film school access to empower youth and strengthen creative education in Uganda
KAMPALA, May 23, 2026 — Canon Central and North Africa [CCNA] has partnered with Makerere University to deliver Canon Academy Photo & Video programmes aimed at equipping students with practical skills in photography, filmmaking and journalism.
The initiative will offer hands-on training and provide students with access to Canon Academy Video, Canon’s virtual film school. The partnership forms part of Canon’s broader efforts to promote youth empowerment, creative education and the growth of Africa’s visual storytelling industry as CCNA approaches its 10-year milestone in 2026.
Speaking about the partnership, Rashad Ghani, B2C Business Unit Director at Canon Central and North Africa, said the collaboration would help nurture the next generation of African storytellers.
“We’re proud to celebrate ten years of CCNA by investing in the next generation of creatives. Our partnership with Makerere University enables us to share Canon Academy’s resources with aspiring storytellers, helping them build the technical and creative skills needed to shape Africa’s visual narrative,” Ghani said.
“By offering access to training, mentorship and learning platforms, we’re supporting students on their journey into photography, filmmaking, journalism and digital content creation.”
The collaboration builds on Canon’s existing relationship with Makerere University, where the company has previously conducted training workshops and media sessions.
Founded in 1922, Makerere University is regarded as one of Africa’s leading institutions of higher learning, particularly in journalism, media and communication studies. Through the partnership, Canon Academy workshops will be integrated into the university’s curriculum to combine academic learning with practical industry experience.
Students and media professionals are expected to benefit from a series of specialised workshops and training sessions.
The programme will include a dedicated media workshop for journalists and media practitioners led by Canon trainer Elayne Okaya, focusing on Canon’s photo and video ecosystem and emerging imaging technologies.
Students will also take part in Canon Camera Innovation Workshops, where they will receive practical demonstrations and insights into the latest imaging tools and products used in content creation.
Two journalism workshops, facilitated by certified trainer Miriam Watsemba, will focus on visual storytelling, ethics and best practices in modern reporting.
Canon Educational Programmes Manager Katie Simmonds will introduce participants to the Canon Academy Video platform, guiding them through online learning modules and certification opportunities.
In addition, a three-day basic filmmaking workshop led by Okaya will cover areas such as camera movement, scene structure and production techniques, while giving participants access to Canon equipment for practical training.
The partnership comes at a time when Africa’s creative economy continues to expand, increasing demand for practical training in filmmaking, journalism and digital content creation.
Canon said the initiative is intended to help young people gain the technical expertise and confidence required to succeed in the rapidly evolving creative industry.
Dr Aisha Nakiwala Sembatya, Chair of the Department of Journalism and Communication at Makerere University, said the collaboration would strengthen students’ practical exposure to the media industry.
“This collaboration gives our students direct access to industry expertise and practical experience in photography, filmmaking and journalism. Canon’s training platforms will enhance our academic programmes and prepare students for careers in the media and creative sectors,” she said.
The partnership also forms part of Canon’s wider Miraisha Programme, which supports education and creative development initiatives across Africa through collaborations with universities, training institutions and creative communities.
As CCNA marks a decade of operations in Africa, Canon said it would continue investing in programmes designed to expand access to skills development, nurture creative talent and strengthen the continent’s creative industries in line with its Kyosei philosophy of living and working together for the common good.
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