As part of its Africa Day celebrations on 25 May, Meta (www.Facebook.com) today announced the return of its global campaign ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’, which was first launched in 2021. Aimed at amplifying the voices and stories of people and businesses from across Africa that are impacting the world, this year’s campaign spotlights eight creators, innovators and SMBs who are making a name for themselves not only in Africa, but globally, and are changing the way Africa is viewed on the international stage.
As part of the on-platform and marketing campaign, Meta has partnered with local filmmakers to bring to life eight phenomenal stories. Alongside this will run a dedicated global and local Instagram campaign featuring partnerships with African content creators, a community Reels challenge, the development of a specially designed AR filter inspired by #AfricaMade, as well as a series of free open virtual training sessions via the Meta Africa page (https://bit.ly/3PAWGt4), dedicated to all SMBs and Creators from across Africa.
Speaking about the campaign, Kezia Anim-Addo, Communications Director, Sub-Saharan Africa, said, “I’m truly excited to be bringing back ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ for the 2nd year running. This campaign is about showcasing the incredible talent we have here on the continent, and the African people and businesses that are not only contributing to the global agenda, but are forging their own paths. At Meta we remain invested in Africa, and know that this is home to some of the world’s most talented and inspired individuals, and we look forward to hero’ing just some of these stories through our ‘Made by Africa, Loved by the World’ campaign.”
Short Films: Made by Africa, Loved by the World
Partnering with five local filmmakers Tarryn Crossman (South Africa), Kofi Awuah (Ghana), Joan Kabugu (Kenya), Bardia Olowu (Nigeria) and Nelson Makengo (DRC), these series of inspirational and beautifully shot short films will live on a dedicated Africa Day microsite (https://bit.ly/3Nsansz) and focus on the stories of:
- Trevor Stuurman (https://bit.ly/3NvVhCs) (South Africa): An award winning contemporary multimedia visual artist who has cemented himself as a creative force to be reckoned with, collaborating with international brands and global stars
- Ferre Gola (https://bit.ly/3sQblqH) (DRC): An award winning Congolese musician who has earned international accolades as a true icon of Congolese rumba
- Mosope Olaosebikan (https://bit.ly/3lzIwLi) (Nigeria): Founder of Africa’s first digital museum devoted to shaping the narrative of culture and people using immersive and innovative methods of curation such as AR/VR
- Rich Mnisi (https://bit.ly/3NsazIj) (South Africa): A contemporary multi-disciplinary brand specializing in high-end fashion and furniture designs, with his clothing featured in global media outlets and his designs worn by global names
- Selina Beb (https://bit.ly/38GYikx) (Ghana): A multiple award-winning fashion brand specialising in African inspired accessories and clothes
- Black Rhino VR (https://bit.ly/3PCfsAf) (Kenya): An award-winning Extended Reality Agency working with local and international brands
- Bonita Foods (https://bit.ly/3x2lm5B) (Nigeria): A healthy snacks company producing a range of delicious snacks from fruits, nuts and vegetables, with a global footprint across the UK, USA and Germany
- Pixel Chefs (https://bit.ly/3wK0waF) (South Africa): An innovative creative agency, using emerging digital tech to create immersive impactful experiences for both local and global clients
Celebrating Africa Day on Instagram
As a platform for self-expression, in the lead up to Africa Day and beyond, Instagram will be celebrating and highlighting the incredible talent and diversity of the African continent:
- Instagram AR Filter: Partnering with a South African immersive digital solutions company (Pixel Chefs) (www.PixelChefs.co.za) to create an interactive AR filter to provide the Instagram community with a tool to celebrate the occasion, with the vibrancy and liveliness of Africa at the heart. [https://bit.ly/38DO8kP]
- Instagram Reels Challenge: Working with content creators from across Africa and the diaspora, Instagram will launch a Reels community challenge under the hashtag #ShareYourAfrica, encouraging its community to celebrate and share with the world what’s uniquely authentic and African to them, whether fashion, music, food or dance.
- African Designers Guide: Throughout the week of Africa Day and beyond, Instagram has invited @mizliz (https://bit.ly/3a5DnYE), the founder of @offtomag, to highlight 12 African designers and artists who are forging their own paths and redefining culture in the process
- IG Creators (https://bit.ly/3MGFNvp) Q&A with DanceGod Llyod (https://bit.ly/3wJ0HmH) on 25th May: Continuing to spotlight African creators, Instagram will host a live Q&A with Ghanaian dancer sensation and content creator DanceGod Lloyd
Free Virtual Training Sessions
As part of Meta’s continued investment across the continent, it will also be hosting a number of free open training sessions throughout the week and post Africa Day via the Meta Africa page (https://bit.ly/3NwfZ4Y), focused on providing other upcoming creatives and entrepreneurs with the digital know-how to take their ideas global. Training topics include:
- Reels school: Learn all about Reels on Facebook and Instagram, as well as top tips and best practices to help connect with more people
- Cross Border Business: Discover how to explore different markets, reach new customers, localise marketing and optimise campaigns
- Monetization 101: Discover ways to monetise owned content on Facebook and Instagram, as well as learn more about best practices and eligibility requirements
- Branded Content – Get future-ready: Find out more about creator marketing on Meta platforms including best practices, creative tips, and media and measurement guidance.
- Step into AR: Dip into the world of the Metaverse through the lens of Augmented Reality (AR) and explore the what, why and how of AR to help create incredible AR experiences people will love
Meta Culture Series
As an extension of the Metaverse Culture Series Black Future (https://bit.ly/3yS10ON) experience exploring embedding Black culture, creativity and community, Meta will host a fireside chat with Ime Archibong, Head of New Product Experimentation at Meta, Dylan Fiala (Co-Founder of Pixel Chefs), Winifred Isichei (https://bit.ly/3wzYjjq) (Founder of Bonita Foods) and diaspora based Walla El Sheikh (https://bit.ly/3wEquhi) (Birthright Africa [https://bit.ly/3sPYXHl]). Hosted on Meta Africa FB Page (https://bit.ly/3yQGz4M), the conversations will focus around early innovation and adoption across the continent, and how this has contributed to global trends, whilst exploring what the world can learn about African Culture.
![Canon’s RF/EF lens production exceeds 170 million units, extending its world record in interchangeable lens production Both EF and RF lenses have gained strong support from a wide range of users—from beginners to professionals—leading to steady growth in production volume Canon Inc. announced that, in October 2025, Canon reached a historic milestone of producing a cumulative total of 170 million RF and EF interchangeable lenses for its EOS series, extending its world record for the highest number of interchangeable camera lenses ever produced. The EF lens was introduced in 1987 as the dedicated lens system for Canon’s EOS autofocus single-lens reflex film camera, debuting simultaneously with the EOS system itself. Since their inception, EF lenses have led the industry by incorporating a series of world-first technologies, including the Ultrasonic Motor (USM), Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, and a multilayered Diffractive Optical (DO) element, and have undergone numerous evolutions. In 2018, Canon launched the RF lens series, designed for the EOS R mirrorless camera system, which features a large aperture, short back focus, and high-speed communication system to deliver even higher image quality. The RF and EF lens series lineup now includes a total of 108 models , covering a wide range of focal lengths from ultra-wide 10mm to super-telephoto 1200mm. The series also includes the world’s first VR lens lenses with built-in power zoom suited for video shooting, and even those compatible with power zoom adapters—expanding the scope of creative expression and meeting the diverse needs of users for both still photography and video. EF lens production began at Canon’s Utsunomiya Plant in 1987. Since then, both EF and RF lenses have gained strong support from a wide range of users—from beginners to professionals—leading to steady growth in production volume. Today, Canon manufactures lenses at five sites: Utsunomiya Plant; Canon Inc., Taiwan; Canon Opto (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.; Oita Canon Inc.; and Miyazaki Canon Inc. Milestones include 10 million units produced by 1995 and 50 million by 2009. Then in 2014, Canon became the first company in the world to reach 100 million interchangeable camera lenses produced. In October 2025, the company reached 170 million units, leading to the achievement of this world record. The 170 millionth lens produced was the RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z. Canon has maintained the No.1 global market share for digital interchangeable-lens cameras for 22 consecutive years since 2003. Moving forward, Canon will continue to refine its proprietary imaging technologies and further strengthen and expand its lens lineup, pioneering new imaging possibilities and contributing to the continued evolution of photographic and video culture. Highlights in the development of the RF/EF Lens Series The EF lens, which was introduced alongside EOS in March 1987, has adopted a variety of world-first technologies, including Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, featured in the EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM released in 1995; a multilayered Diffractive Optical (DO) element, used in the EF 400mm f/4 DO IS USM launched in 2001; and Subwavelength Structure Coating (SWC) [7], applied to the EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM released in 2008. In 2021, Canon launched the EOS VR System, a VR video system consisting of a mirrorless camera [8], dedicated lens, and PC software, thereby creating a 3D 180° VR video through an interchangeable lens camera. In 2024, Canon began rolling out a new series of hybrid lenses equipped with iris rings, designed to meet the needs of both still photography and professional video production. For zoom lenses, the company has also launched RF 24-105mm F2.8 L IS USM Z and RF 70-200mm F2.8 L IS USM Z which are compatible with power zoom adapters. For single focus lenses, the company released F1.4 L hybrid prime lens series that unified the size and ring and button position across models. In September 2025, Canon launched RF 85mm F1.4 L VCM, the fifth model in this series, demonstrating that it can meet demands in line with the changing times. [1] Includes EF, EF-S, EF-M, EF Cinema, RF, RF-S, and RF Cinema lenses and extenders. As of October 21, 2025 (according to a survey by Canon) [2] Among SLR cameras (according to a survey by Canon) [3] Number of products sold as of October 22, 2025 (including extenders). The number of lens models for sale is different according to market figures. [4] Focal length is 5.2mm to 1200mm when including VR lenses [5] An interchangeable digital camera lens that enables VR footage with a single camera. Among interchangeable lens digital cameras released as of October 5, 2021 (according to a survey by Canon) [6] Refers to unit share (according to a survey by Canon) [7] A special coating with advanced anti-reflective properties [8] For applicable cameras, please visit the official Canon website *Release dates in this document refer to dates in Japan. Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) is a division within Canon Middle East FZ LLC (CME), a subsidiary of Canon Europe. The formation of CCNA in 2016 was a strategic step that aimed to enhance Canon’s business within the Africa region - by strengthening Canon’s in-country presence and focus. CCNA also demonstrates Canon’s commitment to operating closer to its customers and meeting their demands in the rapidly evolving African market. Canon has been represented in the African continent for more than 15 years through distributors and partners that have successfully built a solid customer base in the region. CCNA ensures the provision of high quality, technologically advanced products that meet the requirements of Africa’s rapidly evolving marketplace. With over 100 employees, CCNA manages sales and marketing activities across 44 countries in Africa. Canon’s corporate philosophy is Kyosei – ‘living and working together for the common good’. CCNA pursues sustainable business growth, focusing on reducing its own environmental impact and supporting customers to reduce theirs using Canon’s products, solutions and services. At Canon, we are pioneers, constantly redefining the world of imaging for the greater good. Through our technology and our spirit of innovation, we push the bounds of what is possible – helping us to see our world in ways we never have before. We help bring creativity to life, one image at a time. Because when we can see our world, we can transform it for the better.](https://businessinsights.africa/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/1.-Canon-EOS-R50-Mirrorless-Camera-for-Beginners-1024x764-1-100x70.jpg "Canon makes history with 170 Million lenses milestone")
