Canon Partners Makerere University to Nurture Creatives
Share
Canon Central and North Africa has partnered with Makerere University to roll out Canon Academy Photo and Video programmes, offering students practical training in photography, filmmaking and journalism.
The initiative will also provide access to Canon Academy Video, the company’s virtual film school, as part of efforts to strengthen creative education and support young storytellers across Africa.
Speaking on the partnership, Rashad Ghani, B2C Business Unit Director at Canon Central and North Africa, said the programme is aimed at helping aspiring creatives develop both technical and creative skills needed for careers in photography, filmmaking, journalism and digital content creation.
The collaboration builds on Canon’s existing engagement with Makerere University, where the company has previously organised training programmes and workshops. Founded in 1922, Makerere University is widely recognised for its journalism, media and communication studies programmes.
Under the partnership, Canon Academy workshops will be integrated into the university’s learning framework, combining classroom teaching with industry-focused practical training.
The programme will include workshops for students as well as media professionals. Sessions will cover visual storytelling, journalism ethics, content creation, filmmaking techniques and hands-on training with Canon imaging equipment. Canon trainers Elayne Okaya and Miriam Watsemba will lead several of the workshops, while Canon Educational Programmes Manager Katie Simmonds will introduce students to the Canon Academy Video platform and its certification opportunities.
A three-day filmmaking workshop will focus on camera movement, scene construction and production techniques, giving participants practical experience using Canon equipment.
Dr. Nakiwala Aisha Sembatya, Chair of the Department of Journalism and Communication at Makerere University, said the partnership would give students direct access to industry expertise and practical learning opportunities that complement their academic studies.
The initiative forms part of Canon’s Miraisha Programme, which works with universities, training institutions and creative communities across Africa to support careers in visual storytelling and digital content creation.
The company said the partnership reflects its continued investment in skills development and creative talent as it approaches a decade of operations in Africa in 2026.
