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See the bigger picture with Canon’s new compact, wide-angle RF lenses

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Canon

Canon’s portable and versatile new RF 24mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM and RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM capture extraordinary detail, whether shooting macro photography or expansive environments

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 13, 2022/APO Group/ — 

Canon (www.Canon-CNA.com) today announces the launch of two new affordable full frame RF lenses, the RF 24mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM and RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM. The RF 24mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM is a lightweight, bright f/1.8 prime lens featuring a 24mm focal length, and the RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM is an ultra-wide angle zoom lens covering a range of focal lengths from 15-30mm. Continuing the expansion of the RF series of lenses, the RF 24mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM and RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM feature the same advanced optical technology and superior handling for sharp, high-quality imagery, even when shooting on the go. Versatile lenses, the RF 24mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM and RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM are suited to a variety of genres of photography and vlogging, enabling users to unleash their creativity and instinctively capture each shot.

Introducing the RF 24mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM; Sharp, light, wide

The RF 24mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM is a compact and versatile wide-angle 24mm prime lens, made possible by the intelligent design of Canon’s RF mount. A fast, bright, image stabilised lens, the RF 24mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM excels in low light scenarios with a f/1.8 maximum aperture and circular, 9-blade design. This also creates a beautifully soft background, that makes the subject stand out sharply in the image. When used with an APS-C sensor camera, this lens also gives an effective focal length similar to 35mm.

Weighing just 270g and featuring a gear type STM motor which enables fast and quiet focusing in a small form factor, the RF 24mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM is perfect for travel and landscape photographers wanting to shoot on the go. With a minimum focusing distance of 14cm (0.5x magnification), this lens offers huge creative potential, enabling photographers and vloggers to focus extremely close to their subject, while still being able to capture the wider environment around it.

The RF 24mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM offers superb optical performance and enhanced operation. Equipped with a customisable Lens Control Ring, photographers can easily fine tune ISO, aperture and switch between AF methods. With a dedicated focus ring, this model also gives greater control during manual focusing. When used with compatible cameras, the lens information is displayed to offer even greater focusing assistance with the RF 24mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM. With 11 elements in 9 groups, the RF 24mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM employs super spectra coating to prevent ghosting and flare, for high-quality images every time. Offering super smooth and steady stills and videos, the RF 24mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM employs a 5-stop Optical Image Stabilizer which increases to 6.5-stops of IS when used alongside an EOS R series body featuring In Body Image Stabilizer.

Expand your view with the ultra-wide RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM

Providing the flexibility of a range of popular focal lengths, the RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM boasts an incredible 15 – 30mm focal range which is perfect for capturing travel, landscapes or vlogs. This ultra-wide-angle lens means photographers and vloggers can get more into each shot, to capture the full context and scale of subjects such as buildings and stunning natural landscapes. The RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM has a 5.5-stop Optical Image Stabilizer which allows longer shutter speeds for hand-held shooting and slick video. When used with an EOS R System body featuring In Body Image Stabilizer, users can obtain up to an incredible 7 stops for steady, shake free stills and video. Perfect for shooting on the go, the RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM weighs just 390g and offers a compact, robust design. Featuring a leadscrew-type STM focusing motor, the RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM can quickly focus on fast moving subjects. This exceptionally quiet STM motor is also well suited for capturing video, giving vloggers and content creators the tools to film like a pro.

A versatile lens, the RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM also has fantastic macro capabilities. Photographers can experiment with the manual focus to discover the world up close and in incredible detail, thanks to the 0.52x magnification of this lens [1]. The new optical design of the RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM features aspherical and precision moulded elements and lens coatings, to capture every detail. A combined Focus and Lens Control Ring allows users to manipulate settings without ever taking their eye off the scene or subject.

Advanced technology for more creative freedom

These lenses will also be a great addition to Canon’s new APS-C models, the EOS R7 and EOS R10

Building on the RF series’ sophisticated design, the RF 24mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM and RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM feature advanced lens technology in a lightweight and easily portable size, to capture exceptionally sharp images anywhere. With its wide-angle and fast aperture, that lets photographers shoot high quality stills and video, even in low light, the RF 24mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM is the perfect choice for those wanting to explore the world around them through the quality of a fixed focal length lens. For those wanting more creative freedom, the ultra-wide zoom range and close focusing capabilities of the RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM mean users can turn their lens to everything from vast landscapes to tiny details.

Compatible with the EOS R, EOS RP and EOS R6, these lenses will also be a great addition to Canon’s new APS-C models, the EOS R7 and EOS R10, thanks to the wide-angle focal lengths.

Click here to find out more about the RF 24mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM (https://bit.ly/3RxGMk6) and RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM (https://bit.ly/3ccLBPF)

RF 24mm F1.8 MACRO IS STM Key Features:

  • Compact 24mm prime lens
  • Large f/1.8 aperture with 9 blades
  • 5-stop Optical Image Stabilizer (CIPA standards)
  • 6.5-stop Combined Image Stabilizer with selected EOS R Bodies (CIPA standards)
  • Compact and lightweight at just 270g
  • Gear type STM motor
  • 14cm minimum focusing distance with 0.5x magnification

RF 15-30mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Key Features:

  • Ultra-wide-angle zoom lens offering 15-30mm focal range
  • 5.5-stop Optical Image Stabilizer (CIPA standards)
  • 7-stop Combined Image Stabilizer with selected EOS R Bodies (CIPA standards)
  • Lightweight lens at 390g
  • Leadscrew type STM motor
  • Maximum magnification of 0.52x[1]

[1] At a 15mm focal length in MF mode.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA).

Events

GBA Science Forum 2026 Held Across Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao: Driving Collaborative Innovation to Build a Global Sci-Tech Hub

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Science Forum 2026

GUANGZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 November 2026 – Co-hosted across Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao from October 31 to November 2, the 2026 Greater Bay Area (GBA) Science Forum took place with a strong focus on future industries and cutting-edge technologies. Jointly guided by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), this year’s event highlights national strategic leadership to accelerate the implementation of key policies and technological breakthroughs in the region.

 




  

The forum features an opening ceremony, a main forum, 15 specialized sub-forums, and 10 signature events. While the opening ceremony and main forum were held on November 1 in Nansha, Guangzhou, parallel sessions are rolling out across Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Huizhou, Dongguan, and Yangjiang, demonstrating a deeply integrated and synergistic approach to the event across multiple cities.

The opening ceremony witnessed the release of new support measures for the GBA International Sci-Tech Innovation Center, jointly introduced by relevant state ministries and central authorities. A key highlight is the commitment to fortifying the region’s original innovation capacity by supporting the development of a world-class cluster of major sci-tech infrastructures in the GBA. Furthermore, two national key R&D projects under the 15th Five-Year Plan, spearheaded by Guangdong Province, were officially launched: the “Advanced Biotherapeutic Technologies Project” and the “GBA International Sci-Tech Innovation Center Project.”

The ceremony also featured the signing of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Collaborative Innovation Joint Funding Program, as well as major sci-tech cooperation agreements between CAS and Guangdong Province, marking another solid step in translating national strategic visions into concrete actions.

Since its inception in December 2021, the GBA Science Forum has been successfully held for five editions. It has evolved into a premier high-level exchange platform and a vital showcase for the matchmaking and achievements of the GBA International Sci-Tech Innovation Center.

This year’s forum brought together four Nobel laureates, alongside distinguished academicians from home and abroad, young scientists, and leading tech entrepreneurs.

Together, they shared their latest research findings and visionary insights on critical topics, including cutting-edge scientific breakthroughs, future technological trends, and the deep integration of scientific and industrial innovation.

In recent years, the GBA International Sci-Tech Innovation Center has demonstrated robust innovation momentum and cultivated a thriving developmental environment. This vitality was globally recognized in September 2026, when the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) published its Global Innovation Index 2026 Top 100 Science and Technology Clusters, with the “Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou” cluster securing the number one spot globally once again.

  




 

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Afreximbank Announces Speakers for Africa’s Largest Compliance Forum

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Afreximbank

Bankers, compliance specialists and fintech leaders from more than 40 countries will explore how regulatory cooperation and technology can align compliance approaches, reduce barriers and advance intra-African and global trade

CAIRO, Egypt, November 3, 2026/APO Group/ –Afreximbank (www.Afreximbank.com) has announced speakers for its 2026 Compliance Forum, Africa’s largest compliance-focused gathering. Discussions will address regulatory fragmentation and barriers across Africa, improve access to correspondent banking services, and explore how technology can strengthen compliance and facilitate cross-border trade

 




  

Organised in partnership with the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre (BITC), the Forum will take place from 16 to 18 November 2026 at the Gaborone International Convention Centre in Botswana. Discussions will focus on strengthening regulatory cooperation, improving access to financial services and using technology to support effective compliance across African markets.

Confirmed speakers include Governor Lesego Caster Moseki, Bank of Botswana, Dr. Patrick Ndzana Olomo, Ag. Director, Economic Development, Integration and Trade, and Head of Economic Policy and Sustainable Development, African Union Commission (AUC), Luis Koberg, Founder and CEO of Klearium Group; Shane Ridel, CEO of Elucidate, Sophie Barre, Global Head of Risk and Compliance at Wave Mobile Money Group; Mr Mooketsi Ramanteba, Non-Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority (NBFIRA), Nellie Nuyoni, Head of Private Sector, CBZ Holdings, Moira Mapundu, Head of Compliance, NMB Bank Limited and Boitumelo William of Continental Reinsurance. Compliance specialists from Dow Jones and Standard Chartered will also participate.

Mr Keletsositse Olebile, Chief Executive Officer of the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre, said: “Strong and predictable compliance systems build investor confidence, protect institutions, and create the conditions in which trade and enterprise can flourish.”

Under the theme “Better Compliance – Better Trade: Leveraging Compliance to Promote African Regulations that Advance Intra-African Economic and Trade Integration,” the Forum will examine how African markets can make their regulatory systems work more effectively together while preserving national sovereignty.

Idrissa Diop, Compliance Director at Afreximbank, said: “Our banks across Africa operate across very different legal systems, supervisory approaches and levels of digital maturity. Africa does not need uniformity at any cost. It needs interoperability that reduces friction while preserving regulatory sovereignty.

Our banks across Africa operate across very different legal systems, supervisory approaches and levels of digital maturity

“We invite regulators, compliance specialists, banks, fintechs, trade institutions and technology providers from across the continent to come to Gaborone ready to turn shared principles into practical cooperation, because better compliance can and should deliver better trade for Africa.”

The opening session, “Is Better Compliance Leading to Better Trade?”, will assess how regulatory cooperation can facilitate cross-border business. Other sessions will cover anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism, sanctions, cybersecurity, consumer protection and the use of artificial intelligence in compliance.

Access to correspondent banking services will be a key focus. Luis Koberg, Founder and CEO of Klearium Group, said: “Many African banks continue to face barriers to accessing correspondent banking services. The reasons given often overlook a fundamental challenge: limited visibility across the payment chain. Improved transparency gives our industry the ability to accurately assess and manage risk, on a case-by-case basis with confidence.”

Delegates will also examine how fintech and risk-based onboarding can extend access to affordable financial services while meeting compliance requirements.

Sophie Barre, Global Head of Risk and Compliance at Wave Mobile Money Group, said: “Fintechs are rewriting the rules of financial inclusion and efficiency. By combining world-class technology with intelligent, risk-based onboarding, they can deliver affordable, simple and reliable services within a compliant ecosystem.”

The Compliance Forum will also feature an exhibition of AI-enabled anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing compliance systems. These demonstrations will let delegates engage with emerging technologies that can strengthen risk detection, monitoring, and reporting.

This Forum comes as artificial intelligence, automation, cybersecurity, third-party risk and diverging regulatory requirements place new demands on financial institutions. These developments reinforce the need for compliance approaches that reflect Africa’s regulatory, economic and institutional realities while drawing on global good practices.

ACF2026 will provide a platform for stakeholders to redefine compliance strategies for a changing financial environment and develop practical approaches that protect institutions while enabling more efficient movement of capital, goods and services across African borders.

For programme details and registration, visit ACF2026 (https://apo-opa.co/4iVtopG)

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Afreximbank.

 




 

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Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) Leadership Roundtable Brings Gas Producer Coordination to Paris

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Etu Energias

As African gas producers navigate rising domestic demand, global LNG competition and a renewed push for investment, the GECF Leadership Roundtable at the Invest in African Energy 2027 Forum will examine how greater coordination can support project development, market access and long-term gas monetization

PARIS, France, November 3, 2026/APO Group/ –Africa’s gas industry is entering a period in which cooperation between producing countries could become increasingly important. Demand is rising, LNG markets are being reshaped by geopolitical disruptions and new supply, while major gas developments across the continent continue to compete for capital.

 




  

Against this backdrop, the GECF Leadership Roundtable at the Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum 2027 in Paris will bring the perspectives of gas-producing countries into a discussion focused on the commercial and strategic priorities shaping the sector.

The session comes as Africa continues to expand its role in global LNG markets. The GECF forecasts LNG exports from the continent to reach about 110 billion cubic meters (bcm), or 80 million tons per annum (mtpa), by 2030, rising to 215 bcm, or 160 mtpa, by 2050. The outlook spans producers including Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Mauritania, Senegal and Nigeria, while GECF projections point to growing LNG trade with Asia and within African markets.

Recent developments have reinforced the strategic value of that supply base. Tanzania’s long-delayed $42 billion LNG project has gained renewed attention as disruptions to Middle Eastern gas supplies have increased the value of diversified LNG sources, while ExxonMobil is advancing preparations for Mozambique’s Rovuma LNG project after years of delay.

For African producers, however, expanding exports is only one part of the equation. Domestic gas demand is rising at the same time that governments are seeking to use gas to improve electricity supply, support industrial development and create new revenue streams. That creates a need to balance export projects with domestic offtake, pipeline infrastructure, gas processing and gas-to-power development.

Coordination between producing countries can help address some of these challenges. Sharing experience on fiscal frameworks, project development, infrastructure and market access can help governments compete for investment while strengthening the case for regional gas infrastructure and cross-border trade.

The global market is also becoming more competitive. Reuters reported this month that gas and LNG infrastructure investment is expanding across multiple regions, with Asia accounting for the largest share of planned LNG import capacity. At the same time, disruptions to Middle Eastern supply have reinforced concerns around security of supply and increased the strategic importance of alternative producers. That creates an opening for African gas producers, but converting that opportunity into projects will require capital, infrastructure and credible long-term markets.

The GECF Leadership Roundtable at IAE 2027, taking place in Paris from May 11-13, will provide a senior-level setting to examine those issues alongside the investors and project developers needed to advance them. The wider forum is designed to connect African energy markets with global capital, with a focus on projects spanning gas, LNG, infrastructure and power.

For African gas producers, the question is how effectively its resources can be developed, connected to markets and converted into reliable energy and industrial growth. The Paris roundtable will put producer coordination at the center of that investment conversation.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

 

 




 

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