Canon’s Miraisha program, celebrating its 10th anniversary, has made a profound impact on aspiring filmmakers, photographers, and creative professionals across Africa. Launched a decade ago, Miraisha has empowered over 7,000 individuals through training programs, skills workshops, and enterprise support, helping them gain qualifications, secure employment, and establish their businesses.
The milestone event held at KCA University highlighted the program’s success and future goals. Canon awarded 10 scholarships to exceptional African students, supporting one-year courses at prestigious institutions such as KCA University in Kenya, PEFTI Film Institute in Nigeria, and IFCPA/CRTV in Cameroon. This initiative underscores Miraisha’s ongoing commitment to nurturing talent and fostering educational opportunities.
Since its inception, Miraisha has achieved significant milestones, including establishing 33 partnerships with various organizations and setting a target to train 10,000 participants by 2027. The program’s collaborations span across renowned institutions and events, demonstrating its extensive influence on the creative industry in Africa.
The event featured the launch of a visually captivating coffee table book that chronicles Miraisha’s journey and showcases success stories from the scholarship program. Additionally, a photography exhibition allowed attendees to engage with student work, while a training session provided valuable insights on building a successful photography business.
Somesh Adukia, Managing Director of Canon Central and North Africa, emphasized the program’s role in nurturing talent and creating opportunities. The keynote address by Timothy Owase, CEO of the Kenya Film Commission, praised Miraisha for its efforts in empowering African talent and providing essential resources to aspiring creatives.
Looking ahead, Canon plans to expand Miraisha’s reach over the next decade by increasing partnerships with educational institutions, government bodies, and industry leaders. This expansion aims to offer more comprehensive training and development opportunities, contributing to the continent’s economic growth and ensuring that Africa’s creative voices continue to thrive.