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Category: Business

Ayéya launches ethical body and home care products supporting women in West Africa

[/media-credit] Ayéya traditional African black soap

Ayéya, a beauty and lifestyle brand dedicated to preserving African traditions and empowering local women through ethically sourced body care and home products, is thrilled to announce its official launch. Beginning this month, Ayéya is debuting a range of bath soaps, laundry and dish tablets, and home cleaning supplies at Whole Foods Market nationwide. On a mission to provide economic independence to women in Africa and mitigate climate change globally, Ayéya is redefining what it means to create impact through conscious consumerism.

Created with intention to honour the rich cultural heritage of West Africa, Ayéya is committed to creating meaningful employment for African women and supporting community development through their sustainably sourced products made with authentic, functional and high-quality ingredients, and recyclable packaging. With every purchase, Ayéya supports fair wages and sustainable employment for over 300,000 people in Ghana and Togo.

The brand’s debut at Whole Foods Market, as well as direct-to-consumer, launches Ayéya into the $11 billion natural and organic skincare space with a portfolio of purpose-driven, transparently sourced, artisan made products, including:
Naked Soaps and Bath Bombs, exclusive to Whole Foods Market
Home Cleaning Laundry Tablets, Dish Tablets, Multi-Function Spray and All Purpose/Multi-Surface Cleaner Tablets, first to market at Whole Foods Market
Ina by Ayéya Bar Soaps, Bath Bombs, and Bath Salts, exclusive to Sprouts Farmers Market
Traditional African Black Soaps
Foaming Hand Soaps
Whipped Body Butter
2-in-1 Face and Body Moisturizer
Shampoo & Conditioner Bars
Baby & Children Body Care Products

Ayéya was founded by Olowo-n’djo Tchala, who sought to catalyse positive change in West Africa by creating not just skincare and haircare products, but also a socially conscious enterprise that uplifts communities. With over twenty years of experience working directly with African communities, Ayéya stands as a beacon of empowerment and cultural respect.

“Our brand is about more than just beautiful products”, said Olo Tchala, founder of Ayéya. “It’s about creating a virtuous cycle where business success is intertwined with social impact. We believe in the strength of women and the potential of local communities to thrive through meaningful economic opportunities.”

Ayéya works directly to support West African women and youth by providing them with sustainable wages, clean water and employment to break the cycle of economic injustice and gender equality through The Ayeya Family of Impact Organizations. This organisation is dedicated to improving market access for women and youth in Ghana and Togo, addressing challenges such as economic opportunity and clean water access. By supporting African communities through sustainable wages and employment, Ayéya is breaking the cycles of economic injustice and gender inequality, while delivering products that shoppers can feel good about purchasing and using. Additionally, Ayeya operates on climate forward brand practices by using sustainable ingredient choices, local processing, climate impact reduction and less packaging and plastics.

Available now on shelves is a line of unwrapped soaps and complementary bath bomb bars featured exclusively at Whole Foods Market in support of their “mood” campaign, with SKUs ranging from “Empower” and “Nurture” to “Uplift”, “Love” and “Cheer.” Additional products including their Home Cleaning Line, Traditional African Black Soaps, and exclusive line with Sprouts will launch this November, with additional items continuing to roll out in 2025. All products are also available online and on Amazon for nationwide shipping.

Canon Central and North Africa celebrates 10 Years of Miraisha: A decade of empowerment

The milestone event highlighted the programme’s remarkable journey and the impact it has had on aspiring photographers, filmmakers, and creative professionals throughout the continent

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Canon’s Miraisha Programme , launched in 2014, has educated over 7000+ future professionals across Africa through skills workshops, training programs, and enterprise support, helping them gain qualifications, secure employment, and establish their own businesses; Canon made a special announcement of awarding ten scholarships to hand-picked African students and unveiled a coffee table book documenting the Miraisha program’s ten-year journey of empowering young talent.

Canon Central and North Africa, a global leader in imaging solutions, proudly commemorated the tenth anniversary of its Miraisha programme, celebrating a decade of transformative impact and achievements across Africa. The milestone event, titled “10 Years of Miraisha”, highlighted the programme’s remarkable journey and the impact it has had on aspiring photographers, filmmakers, and creative professionals throughout the continent.

During the exclusive media event held at KCA University on 3rd September 2024, Canon made a special announcement of awarding 10 scholarships to hand-picked students from across Africa. These students, selected by the Miraisha team, trainers, and partners, represented the diverse nations where the programme has been actively nurturing talent. The scholarships will support a one-year course at prestigious institutions, including KCA University in Kenya, PEFTI Film Institute in Nigeria, and IFCPA/CRTV (Institut De Formation Et De Conservation Du Partrimoine Audiovisual) in Cameroon.

A significant highlight of the event was the launch of a visually stunning coffee table book, which chronicles the journey of Miraisha from its inception to its status as a cornerstone of empowerment. This comprehensive journal showcased the outstanding work of trainers and students, highlighting success stories from the previous scholarship programme and offering an account of the last ten years.

“We are incredibly proud to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Miraisha programme, a decade that has seen remarkable transformations and inspiring stories from across Africa. The Miraisha initiative embodies Canon’s commitment to nurturing talent and creating opportunities in the creative industry. By providing scholarships and launching the coffee table book, we continue to invest in the future of African photographers and filmmakers, ensuring their stories are told and their voices heard. This celebration is not just about reflecting on our past achievements but also about looking forward to a future filled with limitless possibilities for the talented individuals we support”, said Somesh Adukia, Managing Director of Canon Central and North Africa.

A keynote address delivered by Timothy Owase, CEO, Kenya Film Commission, highlighted the importance of the Miraisha programme in empowering African talent. He also lauded Miraisha’s efforts in providing invaluable opportunities and resources to aspiring photographers and filmmakers across the continent.

Canon’s guests for this momentous occasion comprised a distinguished gathering from diverse sectors, including key representatives from KCA University and partner organizations: the Kenya Film Classification Board, Film Lecturers and Trainers Association of Kenya (FLETA-K), The NRB Bus, Ishara Mara, Zebra Productions Kenya Ltd, and Elimu Project. Our dedicated trainers and talented students also graced the occasion with their presence. This impressive turnout underscored the widespread impact and recognition of the Miraisha program.

The event also featured a photography exhibition displaying student work. Attendees had the opportunity to interact with the students and gain insights into their creative processes. Canon honoured the invaluable contributions of the programme’s trainers with certificates and speeches. Additionally, a training session on the topic of “How to make a successful photography business” enriched the day’s program for KCA University and Miraisha alumni students. The session, led by Canon Certified Trainer Georgina Goodwin, covered essential topics such as building your brand presence, effectively presenting and introducing yourself to clients, crafting compelling elevator pitches, and understanding client expectations for portfolio reviews.

Since its inception, the Miraisha Programme has reached significant milestones, including establishing 33 partnerships with various organisations, training over 7,000+ participants, and setting a target to train 10,000 participants by 2027.

Since 2014, the Miraisha Programme has collaborated with a diverse array of organisations across Africa. These include Kenyatta University, Kenya Film Commission (KFC), Kenya Photography Awards, Yaba College of Technology in Nigeria, Uganda Press Photo Award (UPPA), The NRB Bus, Zebra Productions Kenya LTD, Lens on Life, PEFTI Film Institute in Nigeria, and the National Film & TV Institute of Ghana (NAFTI), among many other institutions and events.

In alignment with Canon’s corporate philosophy of Kyosei, which means living and working together for the common good, the Miraisha Programme promotes job opportunities in Africa by providing workshops for photographers, videographers, filmmakers, and print business owners. The name ‘Miraisha’ is a fusion of Japanese and Swahili, symbolising the programme’s cross-cultural approach.

As the Miraisha Programme enters its second decade, Canon is committed to expanding its reach and empowering an even greater number of young people across Africa to pursue their passions and build successful careers in the imaging industry. This next phase will see an increase in partnerships with educational institutions, government bodies, and industry leaders to provide more comprehensive training and development opportunities.

By fostering a new generation of talented photographers, videographers, filmmakers, and print business owners, Canon aims to contribute significantly to the economic growth of the continent, ensuring that the creative voices of Africa continue to thrive and inspire globally.

African Development Bank president praises Saudi Arabia for $5.3 billion investment in Africa

Projects the country has financed range from irrigation to produce food, dams for energy, hospitals for mothers and their babies, electricity to light up schools and enhance learning, airports and roads to link countries, counties and communities

Dr Akinwumi Adesina, the president of the African Development Bank Group, has praised Saudi Arabia for its generous “support, dedication and friendliness” to Africa where it is supporting a host of projects touching virtually all aspects of people’s everyday life on the continent. Adesina was speaking at the Saudi Fund for Development’s 50th anniversary celebration in Riyadh on Sunday. He said the fund translated the pulse of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia into development support in Africa.

“Its work covers 407 projects in 41 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, with support of over $5.3 billion”, he declared, in an address congratulating the Fund on the landmark occasion of its golden jubilee.

Projects the country has financed range from irrigation to produce food, dams for energy, hospitals for mothers and their babies, electricity to light up schools and enhance learning, airports and roads to link countries, counties and communities.

The Bank Group president said the Fund was part of an ongoing attempt to forge a deeper friendship and engagement of Saudi Arabia with Africa. He said this “was evident during the Saudi-Africa Summit held by the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, attended by over 40 heads of state and government.” That landmark summit in November 2023 set out a blueprint for Saudi-Africa cooperation.

Adesina said one thing that makes the Saudi Fund for Development to stand out in the development financing landscape was its “unlimited territorial scope”. What is important to it is: “countries need”, making it different from the approaches of other developmental partners.

“That means: Open heart. Open hands. Open purse. Its success is rooted in its values, reflected by its acronym, SDF, which I call: Supportive. Dedicated. Friendly. That’s why countries appreciate the SDF”, he said.

Adesina noted he had visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia more than any president in the history of the African Development Bank since 1964 and had forged strategic alliances with major Saudi institutions delivering billions of dollars of co-financing for projects in Africa.

“The African Development Bank is your friend and strategic partner in Africa…I wish the Saudi Fund for Development another fifty exciting years ahead, as we partner together to support Africa with renewed dedication to accelerate Africa’s development”, Adesina concluded.

Wendy’s to launch real-life Krabby Patty inspired by SpongeBob SquarePants, reportedly

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According to the web, American fast-food chain Wendy’s plans to sell a burger styled after the popular Krabby Patty from the legendary American cartoon SpongeBob SquarePants. One user claims the burger is vegan; not an animal product.

didn't the creator of spongebob literally say the krabby patty was entirely vegan???

there's no animal products in it. https://t.co/vRjIrkf3ko

— JOLLY J✨ (@DynamoSuperX) August 29, 2024

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Whether it is plant-based or otherwise, the question is, who’s got a mouth large enough to eat that burger with the fresh tomato atop?

Canon Central and North Africa launches Canon Academy in Senegal, fostering photographic excellence

In partnership with renowned institutions, Kourtrajmé Dakar Film School and Sup’IMax School, Canon is committed to empowering aspiring photographers and enthusiasts with world-class education and resources

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Canon Academy offers a comprehensive educational programme featuring hands-on workshops covering a wide range of photography topics. To date, we have successfully trained 85 students through this initiative. The programme offers a comprehensive curriculum blending theory and practice, where expert trainers instill confidence and passion whilst covering essential topics like exposure triangle, composition, lighting, focus, and more.

Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) is thrilled to announce the official launch of Canon Academy in Senegal, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at nurturing local photographic talent. In partnership with renowned institutions, Kourtrajmé Dakar Film School and Sup’IMax School, Canon is committed to empowering aspiring photographers and enthusiasts with world-class education and resources.

This significant launch was marked by a meet-up event on August 13 at the Kourtrajmé Dakar Film School, introducing the local photography community to Canon’s comprehensive educational offerings, cutting-edge product lineup, authorised dealers, and the immersive Canon Academy workshop experience.

The heart of the Canon Academy experience was the hands-on workshops conducted at Sup’IMax School on August 14. Led by Canon Ambassador Seibou Traore, these sessions delved into the fundamentals of photography, covering essential topics such as the exposure triangle, lighting, focus, composition, aperture, ISO, and mastering manual mode. By equipping participants with practical skills, Canon Academy aims to unlock their creative potential and elevate their photography to new heights.

“Canon Academy is dedicated to providing photographers with unparalleled learning opportunities”, said Rashad Ghani, B2C Business Unit Director at Canon Central and North Africa. “Through hands-on workshops and expert guidance, we empower photographers of all levels to explore their passion and achieve their full potential. We are excited to bring this enriching experience to Senegal and contribute to the growth of the local photography community.”

Canon Academy is dedicated to Canon users, offering hands-on experiences across a wide array of topics. Workshops are led by certified Canon trainers, ensuring that participants benefit from the expertise of seasoned professionals. The programme caters to different skill levels, from beginners to professionals, allowing each participant to grow at their own pace.

Kourtrajmé Dakar Film School, a beacon of accessible film education, shares Canon’s commitment to fostering creativity. “We’re excited to partner with Canon to empower the next generation of filmmakers and photographers. Together, we’ll create a brighter future for Senegal’s creative industry”, said Mr Sangaré Toumani – Director, Kourtrajmé Dakar Film School

Sup’IMax School, a leading institution in digital arts and communication, complements Canon’s vision for a vibrant creative ecosystem. “Canon Academy is a fantastic addition to our curriculum. This partnership will equip our students with the skills and tools to excel in the digital world”, said Mr Birame Diouf – Executif Director, Sup’IMax School (Ininstitut Superieur des Arts et Metiers du Numerique)

This strategic collaboration between Canon Central & North Africa, Kourtrajmé Dakar Film School, and Sup’IMax School (Ininstitut Superieur des Arts et Metiers du Numerique) exemplifies Canon’s corporate philosophy of Kyosei – living and working together for the common good. By joining forces, these organisations are creating a powerful platform for young talent to thrive and contribute to Senegal’s creative landscape.

The launch event and workshops signify a significant milestone for Canon in Senegal, demonstrating the company’s dedication to investing in local communities and supporting the growth of photography as an art form. Canon is confident that this initiative will inspire a new generation of photographers and strengthen the brand’s presence in the market.

SoundCloud launches merch store, artists keep 100% of profits

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According to recent news in music, SoundCloud plans to allow artists to design and sell custom merchandise; and keep one-hundred percent of the profit. How is it a sustainable business model or why would a business like SoundCloud want to do this for independent artists? Perhaps to drive more traffic to its platform and regain the trust of older artists, and the new generation. So, what’s the catch? The artist has to have a subscription to the company’s Next Pro programme which costs $99 per year, dwelling in North America (America/Canada) or Europe and own 100% of their merchandise rights. You’d want to be independent to take full advantage of this opportunity,