Canon Hosts Second Executive Circle in Cyprus, Celebrating Innovation for Sustainable Growth

The Executive Circle in Cyprus provided a unique opportunity for high-level discussions on market trends, partner expectations, and industry shifts.

Canon Central & North Africa (CCNA) recently hosted the second edition of its Executive Circle on November 5-6, 2024, against the picturesque backdrop of Cyprus. Building on the momentum from last year’s inaugural event in Georgia, this year’s gathering brought together industry leaders, partners, and Canon executives to discuss key growth strategies and innovations, further solidifying Canon’s commitment to driving impactful change and sustainable growth in African markets.

The Executive Circle represents a transformation in Canon’s approach to partner engagement, reflecting its commitment to delivering a seamless and enhanced customer journey across its comprehensive range of imaging solutions. Since its establishment in 2016, CCNA has aimed to broaden Canon’s reach across the African continent, making partner conferences an integral part of fostering strong relationships and aligning strategies. Over the years, these conferences have evolved into immersive experiences focused on maximizing partner engagement, with the Executive Circle now representing the pinnacle of this evolution.

Focusing on Innovation, Customer, and Employee Experience

The theme of this year’s Executive Circle, "ICE—Innovation, Customer, and Employee Experience," underscored Canon’s strategic focus on these three pillars:

Innovation: Canon’s expansion strategy emphasizes entering new markets across Africa, introducing specialized product lines, and engaging a diverse array of new customer segments. This approach reflects Canon’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements, with tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of emerging markets across the continent.

Customer Experience: Canon is redefining how it engages with its customers, aiming to provide a more immersive and personalized experience through targeted campaigns and events. The company seeks to strengthen connections with its customers, creating a deeper understanding of Canon’s extensive imaging capabilities and fostering brand loyalty.

Employee Experience: Canon places great importance on employee development, focusing on enhancing both technical and interpersonal skills. This emphasis enables employees to serve customers and partners more effectively, creating a solid foundation for strong, lasting relationships across its networks in Africa.

The Executive Circle in Cyprus provided a unique opportunity for high-level discussions on market trends, partner expectations, and industry shifts. Canon’s Managing Director, Somesh Adukia, reaffirmed Canon’s mission to deliver innovative imaging solutions while addressing the evolving needs of African partners. "We understand the complexities of the market," said Adukia, "and we are here to provide the tools and services needed to unlock new business growth opportunities for our partners."

A Commitment to Regional Growth and Corporate Responsibility

Canon’s commitment to Africa extends beyond business growth—it includes a focus on sustainable development and empowering local communities. Through partnerships, Canon aims to make a meaningful impact by supporting the development of local offices and creating opportunities for skilled talent within African markets. This strategy aligns with Canon’s corporate philosophy of Kyosei, meaning “living and working together for the common good.”

Canon’s dedication to this philosophy is illustrated through impactful initiatives, including:

World Unseen Exhibition: A project fostering inclusivity for individuals with visual impairments by enabling them to engage with photography.

Miraisha Programme: A long-running initiative that empowers African youth with photography and filmmaking skills, creating future employment opportunities.

Canon Young People Programme: This initiative helps young Africans address sustainability issues through creative expression.

Women Who Empower Programme: Designed to uplift women in the imaging and print industries through workshops, mentorship, and networking opportunities, promoting gender diversity and empowerment.

Recognizing Excellence and Strengthening Relationships

To celebrate the collaborative spirit and achievements of its partners, Canon hosted a gala dinner and awards ceremony to recognize top-performing partners across various categories in both B2B and B2C segments. This awards ceremony honoured partners’ contributions to Canon’s growth and success, acknowledging their commitment to shared goals and milestones.

With insightful dialogue, strategic planning, and an unwavering commitment to growth and inclusivity, Canon’s second Executive Circle proved a successful and enriching event. Through these gatherings, Canon continues to strengthen its role as a key player in Africa’s imaging industry, while nurturing relationships that drive collective progress and sustainable development.