Tag Archives: Scholarship

AMA, Business, Sports

SEED Project and Partners Advance U.S.–Africa Youth Talent Combine and Sports Careers Summit After Stakeholder Roundtable in Los Angeles

MaraviPost

Charlotte set as flagship city for dual-track sports and careers initiative

SEED Project Partners at the launch of the US-Africa Youth Talent Combine and Sports Careers Summit: February 16, 2026, Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, United States of America, 2 March 2026-/African Media Agency(AMA)/-The SEED Project, together with implementation partners the Pan African Council, Champs for Change, and the Global Africa Business Accelerator (GABA) Center, has taken a major step toward launching the U.S.–Africa Youth Talent Combine and Sports Careers Summit following a high-level Stakeholder Roundtable held during NBA All-Star Week in Los Angeles.

Convened by SEED Project and supported by SEED founder Amadou Gallo Fall, the roundtable brought together HBCU leaders, African and Caribbean diaspora representatives, city officials, impact investors, sports executives, and youth development organizations. The group aligned around the shared goal of using sport as a platform for education, careers, and economic mobility on both sides of the Atlantic.

Dual-track model: on-court and across the ecosystem

The U.S.–Africa Youth Talent Combine and Sports Careers Summit builds on a historical combine model while adding a second, equally weighted track focused on careers:

  • A high-performance basketball combine for athletes, featuring standardized testing, positional skill work, and 5-on-5 evaluations.
  • A parallel Sports Careers Summit for non-athlete and multi-interest youth, offering personality-based career assessments, hands-on labs, shadowing experiences, and mentoring across media, analytics, operations, coaching, entrepreneurship, technology, esports, and sports diplomacy.

“This is about who gets to build the future of sport,” said Fabien Anthony, Chairman of the Pan African Council. “We are designing a platform where young people can move from fan to professional on the floor, in the boardroom, and across the global economy.”

Charlotte as flagship launch

Roundtable participants endorsed Charlotte, North Carolina as the flagship host city for the first event, subject to final alignment with the Charlotte Hornets and facility partners. The concept calls for:

  • A three-day program at the Hornets’ arena, combining on-court evaluation and off-court career exploration.
  • HBCU- and city-led learning experiences, using Charlotte’s history with HBCU tournaments and NBA All-Star as a live case study in major event delivery, cultural impact, and local economic benefits.

“Charlotte offers a powerful classroom,” said Kimberly Nelson, CEO of the GABA Center. “Young people will see how a single event mobilizes hundreds of roles from game operations and storytelling to hospitality, technology, finance, healthcare and city planning.”
Centering youth careers in sport

Champs for Change (C4C) will lead design and delivery of the Sports Careers Summit, ensuring non-athlete youth are full co-beneficiaries of the program rather than an add-on.
“Every young person who walks into this experience should leave with a clearer pathway whether that’s in front of the camera, behind the camera, at the scorer’s table, in the startup lab, or leading in their community,” said Memuna Williams, co-founder of Champs for Change. “We’re building a generation of African and diaspora leaders who see sport as an industry.”

Next steps

SEED Project and its partners agreed to a 90-day roadmap that includes finalizing dates and space requirements with the Charlotte Hornets, refining the combine and Summit curriculum, mapping industry roles to HBCU and African university programs, and structuring a shared sponsorship and scholarship fund. A post-meeting report, recording these commitments was circulated among project stakeholders on February 24.

“This initiative is a movement to build prosperity across the continent, elevate youth through mentorship and professionalism, and integrate African talent into global value chains,” the partners said in a joint statement.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Champs for Change

About the project partners

SEED Project (Sports for Education and Economic Development) is an International NGO that uses education and basketball to develop the next generation of socially conscious African leaders that have the tools to lead their country. Learn more at  seedproject.org.

Pan-African Council (PAC) is the premier global leadership and strategic development organization dedicated to elevating Africa and her Diaspora on the world stage. Guided by its multi-faceted approach, the Council bridges political divides through diplomatic engagement; unlocks shared prosperity by fostering economic opportunities; and empowers communities with targeted social initiatives. Learn more at  panafricancouncil.org.

Champs for Change (C4C) is a pan‑African social enterprise that supports young people who want to build careers in sport, both on and off the field. Through resources, mentoring, training, connection to networks and collaboration, C4C helps the people behind the game turn passion for sport into real education, work, and entrepreneurship opportunities. Learn more at champs4change.org and share your interest in working with C4C here.

The GABA Center (Global Africa Business Accelerator) is the diplomatic and commercial bridge connecting the United States, Africa, and the global diaspora. Through its four strategic pillars, Capacity Building, Workforce Development, Venture Building, and Ecosystem Building, GABA delivers integrated programming that strengthens local economies and opens global pathways for entrepreneurs, investors, and institutions. Learn more at  gabacenter.com.

The post SEED Project and Partners Advance U.S.–Africa Youth Talent Combine and Sports Careers Summit After Stakeholder Roundtable in Los Angeles appeared first on African Media Agency.

AMA, Business, Technology

Thales to recruit more than 9,000 new employees in 2026

MaraviPost

DOHA, Qatar, 18 February 2026-/African Media Agency(AMA)/- Thales, world leader in high technologies for Defence, Aerospace and Cybersecurity & Digital, plans to recruit more than 9,000 employees worldwide in 2026.

These hiring prospects follow the recruitment of 8,800 employees in 2025, exceeding the initially announced target of 8,000 new talent. Over the past 5 years, Thales has recruited at least 8,000 people per year to support the growth dynamics of its three business sectors.

In 2025, Thales received 1.4 million applications worldwide, exceeding its record of one million CVs received in 2024. The Universum ranking positioned Thales in first place amongst the most attractive employers for engineering school students in France (and second place in 2024).

Strengthening the diversity of teams and management committees remains a priority for the Group. In 2025, women accounted for 32% of all recruitments. 69% of the Group’s management committees are composed of at least 4 women and Thales aims to reach 75% in 2026.

In 2026, Thales plans to recruit 150 people in the Middle East and Africa with 60 in the United Arab Emirates and 30 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In France, Thales will recruit 3,300 people, including 1,630 in the Ile-de-France, 290 in Brittany, 280 in Nouvelle Aquitaine, 270 in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, 250 in Occitanie, 220 in Centre-Val de Loire, 180 in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and 130 in Pays de la Loire.

In addition to the 9,000 external recruitments, and thanks to the variety of Thales’ three business sectors, roles and geographies, 3,500 employees will benefit from internal mobility. Additionally, the Group’s “Learning Company” approach, with more than 35 internal academies, will enable employees to develop their skills, thereby maintaining Thales’ expertise at the highest level worldwide.

Thales is committed to advancing the integration of people with disabilities, with an employment rate of over 7% in France in 2025.

Around 40% of new arrivals will be assigned to engineering (software and systems engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data) and 25% to industry (technician, operator and engineer positions).

Thales reinforces commitment to inspire and support young talent in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

Thales is dedicated to fostering the careers of young people and places strong emphasis on welcoming apprentices and interns, particularly in France, where it will support 1,700 trainees and 1,600 apprentices from Bac+2 to Bac+5, as well as 1,000 third-year and 500 second-year students in 2026. For these young people, these opportunities serve as a stepping stone to future employment. In 2025, apprentices and interns accounted for 15% of Thales’ recruitment in France.

Through its “Vocation Makers” programme, Thales is actively engaging with young people ages 6 to 18 to spark their interest in science and technology. This is achieved through site visits and educational presentations in schools. In 2025, the Group met with 250,000 students worldwide, ranging from primary to high school levels.

In parallel, Thales has launched the STEM for All’s programme, a scholarship and mentorship initiative in partnership with the French Academy of Technologies. The programme is designed to support and inspire young students from disadvantaged backgrounds who aspire to pursue careers in STEM. In its inaugural year, 40 awards were given in France and Belgium, each including a €5,000 grant and one-year of mentorship from a Thales employee. In 2026, STEM for All will be expanded in 2026 to countries including the Czech Republic, Poland, Greece, Romania, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Brazil and South Korea.

“We take great pride in seeing Thales’ appeal grow stronger year after year. The talented individuals who join us are driven by a desire to contribute to the development of sovereign, innovative, and sustainable solutions that the world needs more than ever. Together, we shaping the future by inspiring an increasing number of young people, especially young women, to pursue careers in science and technology.”
Patrice Caine, CEO of Thales

Candidates interested in the positions available at Thales can find out more and apply online at https://www.thalesgroup.com/fr/candidat and here for STEM for All.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Thales

About Thales
Thales (Euronext Paris: HO) is a global leader in advanced technologies in advanced for the Defence, Aerospace and Cyber & Digital sectors. Its portfolio of innovative products and services addresses several major challenges: sovereignty, security, sustainability and inclusion.
The Group invests more than €4 billion per year in Research & Development in key areas, particularly for critical environments, such as Artificial Intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum and cloud technologies.
Thales has more than 83,000 employees in 68 countries. In 2024, the Group generated sales of €20.6 billion.

The post Thales to recruit more than 9,000 new employees in 2026 appeared first on African Media Agency.

AMA, Education

EU–ECOWAS Scholarship Programme Showcases Research Impact as Five Scholars Advance West Africa’s Sustainable Energy Transition

MaraviPost

LAGOS, Nigeria, 10 December 2025-/African Media Agency(AMA)/-The EU–ECOWAS Scholarship Programme for Sustainable Energy, funded and launched in September 2022 by the European Union in partnership with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and delivered by the British Council, is celebrating the achievements of its first cohort of scholars whose research is already contributing to the region’s green-energy transition.

The programme provides fully funded master’s degrees in sustainable energy at nine specialised higher-education institutions across Cape Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo.


Demand for the programme has been exceptionally high. From 10,442 applications, scholarships were awarded to 72 academically outstanding candidates from 11 ECOWAS member states — with over 40% female representation.

The programme aims to strengthen human-capital development in the West African electricity sector by supporting postgraduate training and enhancing the capacity of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to deliver high-quality, industry-relevant education in sustainable energy and energy-efficiency systems. Alongside rigorous academic study, scholars received research support and mentorship to advance innovations that directly benefit the region.


All 72 scholars under the programme completed their research work in sustainable energy. Today, we highlight five scholars who illustrate the transformative impact of the programme through research that addresses real-world energy challenges in West Africa — from electric mobility and air-quality monitoring to renewable-energy optimisation, environmental data systems, and national energy-demand reduction.

Research Highlights from Five EU–ECOWAS Scholars

1. Blessing Nneka Ben-Festus (Nigeria)

Research: IoT-Enabled Predictive Maintenance and Energy Optimisation in Modern Inverter Systems

Institution: University of Ibadan, Nigeria


Blessing developed one of the first locally relevant Battery Management Systems (BMS) for Nigeria’s widely used inverter systems. By integrating the Internet of Things (IoT) with machine-learning-based predictive maintenance, the study demonstrates how low-cost hardware and advanced analytics can dramatically improve safety and energy performance in household backup-power systems.

This Battery Management System (BMS) is capable of delivering:

  • A three-sensor platform monitoring voltage, current, and temperature
  • A remote-data system using an Arduino microcontroller and a Global System for Mobile Communications module
  • Machine-learning models achieving 99% accuracy in predicting battery ageing and 92% accuracy in decision-tree diagnostics
  • Proven improvements in battery safety, lifespan, and reliability

Impact for ECOWAS: Improved safety, lower household costs, enhanced confidence in decentralised solar and inverter systems, and reduced energy waste across the region.

2. Ruth Mawunyo Kokovena (Togo)

Research: Building a Low-Cost Environmental Monitoring System to Support Renewable Energy Planning

Institution: University of Lomé, Togo

Ruth developed SISEE, an affordable, multi-sensor environmental monitoring system designed for regions where high-precision weather stations are too costly to install or maintain. The system captures temperature, relative humidity, solar irradiation, tide levels, and GPS location, using open-source software and low-cost sensors.

SISEE is capable of delivering:

  • Temperature accuracy nearing ±0.5°C, comparable to entry-level commercial stations
  • Over 80% correlation in solar-irradiation tracking
  • Effective monitoring of tidal variations for coastal energy planning
  • Real-time data transmission and visualisation

Impact for ECOWAS: Supports solar-resource assessment, coastal-energy planning, climate-monitoring infrastructure, and decentralised data collection for national energy strategies.

3. Godwin Josiah Ajisafe, (Nigeria) – Under the supervision of Ayodele T. R & Ogunjuyigbe A.S 

Research: Determination of the Functional End-of-Life Threshold of Electric Vehicle Lithium-ion Batteries under Urban Lagos Driving Conditions

Institution: University of Ibadan, Nigeria

This study provides the first Lagos-specific model for predicting the end-of-life of Electric Vehicle (EV) lithium-ion batteries under real urban driving and environmental conditions. Machine-learning algorithms — including Support Vector Regression, Random Forest, and Decision Trees — were trained using local data such as temperature, humidity, traffic intensity, driving behaviour, and charging patterns.

The model is capable of delivering:

  • Near-perfect predictive accuracy (Coefficient of Determination R² = 0.999)
  • Identification of heat and stop-and-go traffic as major contributors to battery degradation
  • Strong foundations for EV-fleet management, charging-infrastructure planning, and battery-recycling initiatives

Impact for ECOWAS: Enables realistic EV-policy development, supports circular-economy planning, and strengthens regional capacity for clean transport systems.

4. Kevin Konan N’guessan (Côte d’Ivoire)
Research: TGIME-ES: A Sustainable Energy Management and Solar Integration Solution for National Energy Demand Reduction

Institution: INP-HB, Côte d’Ivoire

Kevin developed TGIME-ES, an intelligent-energy-management solution that reduces electricity consumption while enhancing solar integration. The system was deployed across residential, commercial, and industrial sites.

TGIME-ES is capable of delivering:

  • 22,962 kilowatt-hours of energy saved in four months
  • 2,149,745 West African CFA francs in cost savings
  • 28% reduction in electricity bills
  • National-scale modelling showing TGIME-ES can slow demand growth by more than 50%

Impact for ECOWAS: Offers a scalable, locally developed approach to energy-efficiency, reduced grid pressure, and improved adoption of solar technologies.

5. Patience Yaa Dzigbordi Quashigah (Ghana)

Research: Machine-Learning-Based Performance Analysis of Two Low-Cost Sensors for Measuring Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) and Fine Particulate Matter (PM₂.₅)

Institution: Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Ghana

Patience evaluated two low-cost air-quality sensors, costing approximately USD 100, as alternatives to reference-grade stations costing up to USD 250,000. Using machine-learning calibration, the study improved the accuracy of monitoring carbon dioxide (CO₂), fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅), ultra-fine particulate matter (PM₁), coarse particulate matter (PM₁₀), temperature, humidity, and methane (CH₄).

These sensors are capable of delivering:

  • Clear model ranking, with Random Forest performing best
  • Reliable environmental data after machine-learning calibration
  • Insights into sensor limitations and calibration techniques
  • Evidence that low-cost networks can support large-scale monitoring

Impact for ECOWAS: Enhances affordable air-quality monitoring, supports solar-energy forecasting, informs emissions policy, and enables community-level environmental awareness.

Overall Programme Impact

These five research projects demonstrate the success and strategic relevance of the EU–ECOWAS Scholarship Programme for Sustainable Energy. Together, the scholars’ work:

  • Strengthens regional capacity for renewable-energy innovation
  • Provides scientific evidence for policy and infrastructure planning
  • Supports environmental monitoring and public-health initiatives
  • Advances energy efficiency, electric mobility, and solar deployment
  • Builds a new generation of skilled experts driving West Africa’s green-energy transition

The programme is creating a pipeline of talented professionals equipped to support ECOWAS member states in accelerating sustainable-energy adoption, reducing emissions, and improving energy security across the region.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of British Council

The post EU–ECOWAS Scholarship Programme Showcases Research Impact as Five Scholars Advance West Africa’s Sustainable Energy Transition appeared first on African Media Agency.

Entertainment

‘Jessica Jones’ Alum Susie Abromeit Is Engaged to Scientist Steve Isaacman

Maravi Post Reporter

Congratulations are in order for actress Susie Abromeit!

The Jessica Jones alum, 43, recently got engaged to scientist and entrepreneur Steve Isaacman. Isaacman proposed to Abromeit at his beach house on Thanksgiving, which had an extra special significance, as Abromeit’s mother died right around Thanksgiving time two years ago.

“For him to propose when he did … it created a new, beautiful memory,” Abromeit exclusively told Us Weekly. “It felt very full-circle, like a new beginning and deeply healing … We’re so happy. I feel incredibly lucky.”

Abromeit has appeared in movies such as King Richard, Sydney White, Setup, Know Thy Enemy and Battle: Los Angeles. She’s also featured in TV roles in projects like Chicago Med, Devious Maids, One Tree Hill, Supernatural, NCIS and more. Abromeit was previously linked to fellow Marvel actor Andrew Garfield.

Actress Susie Abromeit Is Engaged to Scientist Steve Isaacman I Feel Incredibly Lucky Facetune_01-12-2025-15-46-43
Courtesy of Susie Abromeit

Abromeit currently hosts the “Great Ones” podcast, where she chats with prominent stars about “their journey, their greatest lessons and the pivotal moments that paved the way to be great in their lives,” according to the podcast’s Youtube page. She’s interviewed actors, comedians, athletes, musicians, directors, philosophers, wellness experts and more successful people within their field.

Some notable guests include legendary director Spike Lee, country star Wynonna Judd, Vampire Diaries alum Ian Somerhalder, Academy Award nominated actor Timothée Chalamet, tennis pro James Blake, magician David Blaine and more.

Abromeit has had quite the interesting career trajectory herself. Before deciding she wanted to pursue a career in acting, Abromeit was dedicated to becoming a tennis star. She was previously ranked sixth in the United States for junior tennis, and later received a scholarship to play on the varsity team at Duke University.

Actress Susie Abromeit Is Engaged to Scientist Steve Isaacman I Feel Incredibly Lucky Facetune_01-12-2025-15-46-43
Courtesy of Susie Abromeit

“I remember booking a lead in the school play but had to turn it down because of my hectic tennis schedule, so I never got a chance to really develop that part of me,” she told Healthy Living in 2018. “Throughout my tennis career, I was always drawn to the arts, but it wasn’t until I was at Duke where I realized the possibility of making it my career.”

Celeb Engagements of 2025: Miley Cyrus and Maxx Morando and More

On top of acting, Abromeit also began a music career and released a single called “Baby You Got Me” in 2012. Abromeit also cocreated a web series titled Famous Adjacent, about actors trying to make it in Hollywood, which starred herself, The Boys star Erin Moriarty, Ethan Peck and Twilight alums Peter Facinelli and Kellan Lutz.

Abromeit serves as an ambassador for Not For Sale, an organization focused on aiding survivors of human trafficking.

“It’s a cause close to my heart,” she told Lapalme Magazine in 2021. “Bringing awareness to this is definitely the first step to healing. Human slavery happens everywhere, and it happens a lot in the United States. As a matter of fact, the owner of NFS realized it was happening right next door and that’s when it compelled him to act and do something about it and that’s when he created Not For Sale which builds schools, communities, and helps survivors of human trafficking. I went on two trips with NFS to Peru and Vietnam. I was so grateful to have been a part of it. It was really eye-opening and I feel fortunate I got a chance to help in a small way.”

Lifestyle

The Sunday Story: Video Game Economics (It’s Not Play Money)

Maravi Post Reporter

Can you get a college scholarship for playing video games? Are they becoming more accessible? Will forever games really last… forever? Wailin Wong, co-host of The Indicator from Planet Money, joins us to discuss the economics of gaming and efforts to make the industry sustainable in the wake of mass layoffs.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

Education

Unicaf University: Earn a Scholarship to study for a Bachelor, Master’s or Doctoral degree

Elwin Mandowa
Unicaf University earns full accreditation by the British Accreditation Council

Unicaf University is a pan-African independent, recognised university combining the best elements of international education, offering high-quality academic qualifications. The University takes advantage of Unicaf’s partnerships with reputable universities to provide competitive, internationally recognised online degree programmes at affordable prices. Students can also choose to study toward Unicaf University’s own international quality degree programmes.

Unicaf University - A life changing opportunity

Unicaf University is a proud member of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI), the Southern African Regional Universities Association (SARUA), and the Advance HE.

Unicaf University campuses in Zambia, Malawi and Uganda are all accredited by the respective local regulator (HEA and NCHE) and by the British Accreditation Council (BAC) as an Independent Higher Education Provider.

Education, Technology

Fully Funded Post Graduate Law Scholarship to study at UCLA in the USA – Applications Window Extended

MaraviPost

UCLA Law Scholarship
UCLA Law – Sonke Health & Human Rights Fellowship

UCLA Law – Sonke Health & Human Rights Fellowship

University of California, Los Angeles School of Law (UCLA Law) and Sonke Gender Justice Network (Sonke) announce the launch of the UCLA Law – Sonke Health & Human Rights Fellowship. Commencing in August 2017, the programme will provide specialised training to top graduates from South African law schools for careers as impact-oriented public interest lawyers in the areas of health, human rights, HIV prevention, and gender equality.

DETAILS OF THE FELLOWSHIP

The fellowship offers a full-tuition grant to enroll in UCLA Law’s Master of Law Program (LL.M.), assists fellows in securing living and travel expenses for their studies, and offers the opportunity to apply for a one-year fellowship placement with Sonke’s Policy Development and Advocacy unit in Cape Town or Johannesburg.

Fellows will enroll in UCLA Law’s David J. Epstein Program in Public Interest Law and Policy (PILP), and through its workshop and seminars, will meet PILP students and faculty and study the problem-solving challenges faced in public interest legal practice. Fellows will examine the principal skills and conceptual approaches useful to public interest lawyers in the PILP seminar, Problem Solving in the Public Interest.

Through the course, Human Rights and Sexual Politics, fellows will interact with students from medicine and public health, and conduct legal research and advocacy for Sonke. Each UCLA Law – Sonke Health & Human Rights Fellow will also elect other related courses and author a substantial writing assignment on a health, human rights, and/or gender equality-related legal issue facing South Africa.

To prepare for American legal study, fellows will take a summer introductory course, American Law in a Global Context, and will be able to access ongoing tutoring through its existing student support programmes.

Upon completion of the LL.M. degree, each fellow will have the opportunity to apply for a yearlong fellowship placement with Sonke in South Africa. If awarded, the fellow will undertake cutting edge law and policy research addressing the gender inequality dynamics driving the spread of HIV, and examine how to engage women, men, girls and boys as stakeholders for gender and health equity.

For more detailed information about the fellowship, please download the brochure.