Co-operative Bank of Kenya, in partnership with Visa, has launched a Debit Card, a Credit Card and a Pre-paid business card designed to transform how medium and small business enterprises, cooperative societies and corporate institutions in Kenya manage their expenses, empower employees and optimise financial control.
The cards, which can be used both locally and...
As we conclude 2024, TikTok (www.TikTok.com) stands as a transformative platform for creators, reshaping the cultural, social, and economic landscapes of Africa. This year, TikTok wasn’t just a platform for trends and challenges—it became a powerhouse for cultural celebration, community building, and entrepreneurial success. From amplifying underrepresented voices to inspiring social change, TikTok empowered creators across Africa...
KnowBe4 (www.KnowBe4.com), the world-renowned cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, announced its 2025 cybersecurity predictions from its team of global industry experts.
In 2024, the world witnessed cyber threats evolve faster than before primarily due to the rise in the number of and popularity of AI tools. These tools assist cybercriminals in...
Over 300 Africa-focused delegates converged at the 11th edition of the Africa Early Stage Investor Summit, and filled up the room for the AESIS Deal Morning ready to engage with Africa’s most promising founders. Next to another 15 highly promising startups, VC4A (www.VC4A.com) hosted eight female entrepreneurs from IFC’s She Wins Africa program, who took the AESIS2024...
The Fondation L'Oréal and UNESCO are proud to unveil the 30 winners of the 15th edition of L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Young Talents Sub-Saharan Africa Awards, which celebrates and supports African women scientists for the quality of their scientific research.
This year, 25 PhD candidates and 5 post-doctoral researchers from 15 African countries...
Paul van Zijl, Group CEO at Starsight Energy (www.StarsightEnergy.com), believes it is. He maintains that we must apply a contextual lens and move away from all-or-nothing thinking, employing a holistic, phased and sustainable approach to the continent’s energy mix.
It’s fair to say that the global imperative to ‘decarbonise’ – the shift from fossil...
Mukuru (www.Mukuru.com) is a leading next-generation financial services platform that offers affordable and reliable financial services to a customer base of over 16-million people across Africa, Asia and Europe. The company, dedicated to continuously building a strong, reliable and resilient financial payments infrastructure to allow its customers to access new physical and digital services that add value,...
The 2024 AWIEF (www.AWIEForum.org) Awards celebrated the exceptional achievements of African women entrepreneurs on Friday night at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). The glamorous awards ceremony honored six outstanding winners, selected from a distinguished group of 18 finalists, while also honouring Dr. Naledi Pandor, Former Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa, with...
Africa’s burgeoning digital economy is on the brink of transformation, as Africa Datacenters & Cloud Days (ADCD), an active community dedicated to the growth of Africa’s digital infrastructure, prepares to convene industry leaders, policymakers, and technology innovators to drive the continent’s data center and cloud computing evolution.Hailed by industry analysts as a pivotal platform for collaboration, the...
The Board of Directors of NCBA Bank Kenya PLC has announced the appointment of Ms Rebecca M. Mbithi, a former CEO of Family Bank, as an Independent Non-Executive Director of NCBA Bank Kenya PLC with effect from 1st December, 2024.
Ms Mbithi is a lawyer and accountant with more than 24 years’ experience 19...
![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")
