Canon Central and North Africa has announced a new partnership with Maono Africa, a grassroots organisation in Nairobi’s Dandora area, to train underserved youth and young mothers in photography and filmmaking.
The initiative is part of the Canon Miraisha programme, which was first launched in Kenya in 2014 and has since grown into a continent-wide platform supporting creative livelihoods. To date, Miraisha has trained more than 7,000 aspiring creators in 11 African countries, with over 650 participants earning paid commissions and more than 450 showcasing their work in exhibitions, publications, and film screenings. The programme aims to reach 10,000 participants by 2030.
“Kenya is where Miraisha first came to life, and it continues to hold a special place in our hearts,” said Somesh Adukia, Managing Director of Canon Central and North Africa. “Our new partnership with Maono Africa is deeply aligned with the Miraisha vision of not only teaching skills but creating real, lasting impact in communities.”
Workshops will run between August and October 2025, combining in-person sessions with virtual webinars. The training will cover the fundamentals of photography and filmmaking, including techniques, exposure, composition, shooting, and screen direction.
Kenneth Owili, Founder of Maono Africa, welcomed the collaboration, saying: “This partnership with Canon Miraisha allows us to not only train but also empower youth in Dandora to create stories that reflect their reality, resilience, and aspirations.”
With 33 partnerships across Africa and 25 locally trained Canon instructors, the Miraisha programme continues to grow as a symbol of opportunity and transformation in the region’s creative industry.
