Canon’s President and CEO for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Shinichi ‘Sam’ Yoshida, has completed his first official visit to the company’s regional headquarters in Dubai since taking up the role in March 2025. The visit underscores Canon’s commitment to the Middle East, Africa, and Türkiye, which the company describes as one of its fastest-growing markets.
The trip comes as Canon forecasts double-digit growth across the Middle East & Türkiye as well as Central and North Africa this year. The projections align with regional economic growth estimates of 3.5% for the Middle East, 3% for Türkiye, and more than 4% for Africa. Canon says the outlook reflects confidence in the region’s potential as a driver of its global expansion.
“The Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa represent one of the most exciting growth frontiers for Canon,” Mr Yoshida said. “Its rapid digital transformation, thriving creator economy, and smart city initiatives align perfectly with our strengths in imaging and innovation. My visit was about listening, engaging, and reinforcing our commitment to customers, partners, and employees.”
During his regional tour, Yoshida met customers, business partners and more than 500 employees, both in person and online. His agenda centred on two-way communication and what he called “customer-centric leadership”.
Canon highlighted growth opportunities in sectors ranging from healthcare imaging and commercial printing to digital entertainment, broadcasting, and security solutions. These areas are expected to play an increasing role in the company’s regional portfolio.
Alongside its commercial plans, Canon emphasised its work in sustainability and community development, guided by the company’s Japanese philosophy of Kyosei — meaning living and working together for the common good.
Among its initiatives:
- Miraisha Programme – now in its 10th year, offering training and business opportunities to over 7,000 people in Africa.
- Canon Young People Programme – supporting 1,500 young changemakers in 33 countries.
- Women Who Empower – helping women advance in imaging and print industries across the Middle East and Africa.
Canon employs around 12,300 people across 120 countries in the EMEA region. Under Yoshida’s leadership, the company is aiming to strengthen its traditional imaging and printing businesses while also expanding into industrial printing, B2B services, and information management technology.
Yoshida has set out five principles to guide his leadership: trust and integrity, open communication, customer advocacy, financial growth, and creativity through innovation.
Canon says it invests more than 8% of global sales into research and development, securing over 3,000 US patents annually. The company believes this commitment to innovation, coupled with emerging opportunities in fast-growing regional economies, positions it strongly for the future.
