Canon storms Nigeria, set to reengineer Nollywood

Plans Empower For Street Photographers
If all that were said at the official launch of Canon in Nigeria will be put into action, then Nollywood filmmakers, as well as street photographers are in for an exciting moment. However, the company’s participation at the just concluded Abuja International Film Festival, as well as it’s involvement in the forthcoming Africa International Film Festival holding later in Lagos, are clear indications that the organisation is determined in its efforts to reengineer Nollywood with latest video and still cameras.

After years of playing in the country’s imaging market from the outside, Canon Imaging Solutions Limited recently took a bold step to formally launch its operations in Nigeria, with the goal of enhancing its business in the African continent and strengthening its in-country presence and focus.
 
Set up to further reinforce the company’s ‘closer to customer’ strategy in West Africa region, Canon will provide value added on-ground marketing and sales support to new and existing partners and customers meeting their demand in the rapidly evolving Nigeria market, with special focus on the country’s movie industry otherwise known as Nollywood.

According to Roman Troedthandl, Managing Director of Canon Central and North Africa’s (CCNA), “strengthening our operations in Nigeria is a testament to our commitment to invest in African markets and provide the best possible services to our customers and partners in the region. We will further enhance our network of distributors and partners in Nigeria and across West Africa. The market has seen substantial growth in the past, and has tremendous potential for further growth.
 
With the largest population of over 180 million within Africa and the high MASH growth potential, Troedthandl noted described Nigeria as a key market for the organization.

“It is an important hub in Industrial & Production Printing segment, and has a thriving film industry – all of which Canon can support through our value added services. Our goal is to extend our services to the largest number of customers possible by being closer to them.”

On the company’s plans for Nollywood and street photgraphers, he explained, “we were at the Abuja Film Festival where we met with filmmakers and demonstrated how we intend to support their industry. We also involved in the 2016 AFRIFF, where we will have the opportunity of showcasing our range of cameras suitable for Nollywood. We also have plans to organise a special support programme for street photographers, with the hope of empowering and keeping them up to date with latest technology. In due time, we will give full details on our operations,” he said.

No doubt, Canon’s presence in Nigeria will also provide the company with the opportunity to gain in-depth reach across Africa, and to better understand the changing market dynamics and customer demand. The newly set up entity will be under the directives of Canon Central and North Africa’s (CCNA) office in Dubai and will include two Country Managers, who will oversee the provision of on-ground support to Tier 1 distributors across the country.

This is in addition to a dedicated Sales planning manager, based out of the Canon office in Dubai, who will be responsible for all Tier 1 operations across West African markets. CCNA also intends to appoint five Channel Account Managers in the country in 2017 to support its Tier 2 Dealer network, and enhance the brand presence and visibility in the market.
 
To cultivate strategic business partnerships, the company has strengthened its regional network and presence by partnering with Tenaui Africa Ltd to open its dedicated showroom for B2B solutions in Nigeria. And with a long-standing partnership with MFI International group for the distribution of Canon products, after sales services and MPS solutions across Sub Saharan Africa, clients from the Nigeria market will benefit from maximisation of resources, improved delivery and acceleration in productivity.

Canon has also partnered with Jamaica Trading, IT World and Technology Distribution for CE & IT Channel; Taichi Holdings as Selphy Specialist partner; C2S as Pro Video Specialist Sales and Service Partner; MACET Ind. for Retail Channel and Ensure as B2C Service partner. These partnerships reflect the company’s focus on the growing market in Nigeria.