The workshops, held in partnership with the Kigali Centre for Photography, will take place from October  27–29, 2025, at the Institut Français in Kigali as part of the Kigali Visual Encounters Festival.

The Canon Academy brings a direct, skills-based approach to photography education, moving beyond theory to practical mastery. 

It is Canon’s latest investment in nurturing Africa’s creative industries, with a goal to empower young professionals to transform passion into sustainable livelihoods.

According to Rashad Ghani, B2C business unit director at Canon Central and North Africa, “Through the Canon Academy, we’re expanding our reach and impact by making photography training accessible to our customers in Rwanda. 

“This collaboration with the Kigali Centre for Photography for the Kigali Visual Encounters Festival represents our commitment to equipping young people and communities with the skills, inspiration, and opportunities they need to succeed in the creative economy. 

“It is also a reflection of Canon’s strategic approach to shape Africa’s future through education and innovation.”

Unlike traditional seminars, the Academy’s structure focuses on experiential learning. Participants will receive guided instruction from certified Canon trainers, with each session adapted to different experience levels, from first-time camera users to professionals seeking advanced techniques.

Workshops will cover essential concepts such as composition, lighting, and exposure, followed by outdoor sessions like street photography exercises. 

Attendees will work with Canon’s latest mirrorless and DSLR systems, including the R50, R100, R10, and R8, testing the technology in real-world environments. 

The hands-on sessions will culminate in the Canon Academy Hangout, where participants will showcase their work, network, and receive formal certification.

Leading the sessions are Jacques Nkinzingabo, founder of the Kigali Centre for Photography, and Raul Gabat, Canon’s business development manager. 

Together, they will guide participants through the creative and technical aspects of storytelling through images.

Nkinzingabo said, “The Kigali Centre for Photography serves as a learning and creative space dedicated to advancing photography, visual culture, and artistic practices in Rwanda. The first and only of its kind in Kigali City, it has positioned itself as a hub of creative learning and cultural exchange. 

“Through the Kigali Visual Encounters 2025, and in collaboration with Canon, it provides an inclusive, meaningful, and community-driven platform for development.”

Since its inception, Canon Academy has trained over 2,200 students across Africa. The expansion into Rwanda represents a new learning opportunity and also a commendable move to strengthen the region’s creative economy. 

Through this initiative, Canon aims to cultivate a new generation of storytellers, individuals who can capture Africa’s realities and ambitions through powerful visual narratives.

Investing in people and education, Canon is aligning with its Kyosei philosophy: “Living and Working Together for the Common Good.” In Kigali, that philosophy takes on a new form, blending artistry, technology, and opportunity to build a stronger creative future.

Running from September 8 to 20, 2025, at MADhouse by Tikera Africa, the programme brought together 25 participants for intensive daily sessions, with up to 100 others joining at different points during the opening and closing ceremonies. 

The school targeted young men between the ages of 18 and 25, giving them a platform to develop skills needed to scale through Nigeria’s growing creative economy.

The training went beyond cameras and editing suites as participants engaged in photography, cinematography, sound editing, graphic design, and content creation. 

Sessions also included business of creativity, etiquette, and financial literacy. Canon Miraisha added a three-day beginner’s photography class combining classroom lessons with outdoor practice. Two outstanding students received Canon Selphy CP1000 printers.

The initiative attracted some of Nigeria’s most respected professionals as mentors and facilitators. Names such as Femi Odugbemi, Bayo Omoboriowo, Daniel Etim Effiong, Osarume Akenzua, Tayo Adetunji, Precious Eniayekan, Uncle Sele and David Adetola were part of the faculty, each sharing insights drawn from years of industry experience.

Speaking on Canon’s vision, Somesh Adukia, managing director of Canon Central and North Africa, said, “Through the Miraisha Programme, Canon is deeply committed to investing in Africa’s youth by equipping them with the skills, confidence, and support needed to succeed in today’s creative industries. 

“Our ongoing collaboration with Debra’s Palace Initiative reflects our belief that creativity is not only a pathway to employment but also a driver of positive social change. Together, we’re building opportunities that will inspire the next generation of African storytellers and leaders.”

For Damilola Chinedu, founder of Debra’s Palace Initiative, the programme fills a gap in society, “We believe every boy deserves the opportunity to develop his talent and grow into a man of vision, impact, and integrity. The Creative Summer School provides a safe and inspiring space where participants develop the skills and confidence to pursue their dreams.

“Partnering with Canon Miraisha allows us to prepare boys not just for careers, but for meaningful lives of leadership.”

The Miraisha Programme, which has already trained over 7,000 young people in 11 African countries, is part of Canon’s broader mission to nurture the next generation of creatives. Its goal is to reach 10,000 beneficiaries by 2030. 

Previous collaborations have included projects with Kings & Queens Art Academy in Nigeria, Maono Africa in Kenya, and the Lens on Life Project in Cameroon.

Debra’s Palace Initiative, a non-profit organisation focused on empowering boys, has also recorded strong impact with more than 3,500 participants engaged through its conferences, mentorship tours, and scholarship schemes. 

The Creative Summer School is one of its flagship collaborations, aligning with its mission to shape boys into confident and responsible men.

With this latest edition, both Canon and Debra’s Palace Initiative are creating opportunities that extend beyond employment, building a generation of African creatives who can lead, inspire, and drive change in their communities.