Tag Archives: The Middle East

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, Business, Technology

African cities reclaimed almost 2 million hours in 2025 thanks to Yango Group’s AI routing technology

MaraviPost

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates,18 February 2026-/African Media Agency(AMA)/ – Yango Group, a global technology company digitalising urban services, today announced that its advanced AI-powered routing technologies saved African urban commuters almost 2 million hours in 2025 across multiple cities, contributing to a global total of more than 5 million hours saved across over 20 cities worldwide — the equivalent of 600 years of human time returned to communities.

From West to Central and Southern Africa, intelligent route optimisation is helping address one of the continent’s most pressing urban challenges: congestion in rapidly growing cities. In Abidjan, commuters collectively saved more than 815,000 hours in 2025 alone — the highest absolute gain among African cities studied. In Kinshasa, riders gained an average of nearly 6% per trip, one of the strongest efficiency improvements globally. In Dakar, users saved close to 170,000 hours, while in Yaoundé and Douala, riders recovered over an hour per year individually on average.

The findings are based on an analysis of millions of Yango Ride trips conducted in 2025. The research compared AI-optimised routes with static shortest-path routes that do not account for real-time traffic conditions. Results show that dynamic routing powered by machine learning and live traffic data delivers measurable time savings at scale — reinforcing the role of AI-driven mobility as a key layer of modern urban infrastructure.

“In many African cities, time lost in traffic directly impacts productivity, family life, and economic opportunity,” said Adeniyi Adebayo, Chief Business Officer of Yango Group. “What these results show is that AI is not abstract — it is practical infrastructure. By embedding intelligence into everyday mobility services, we can help cities operate more efficiently and return valuable time to people.”

Yango’s routing system processes real-time traffic flows, historical congestion patterns, road characteristics, traffic light cycles, and turn complexity to evaluate multiple route options in milliseconds. Its self-learning architecture continuously improves by comparing predicted and actual travel times, adapting to each city’s unique mobility patterns.

Beyond time savings, intelligent routing contributes to broader urban sustainability goals. By minimizing idle time and optimizing traffic distribution, Yango’s AI technology helps improve fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and decrease localized congestion — key challenges across fast-urbanising African markets.

While African cities recorded significant gains, the cumulative global impact reached more than 5 million hours saved across over 20 cities worldwide, including Lima, Guatemala City and others — demonstrating the scalability of AI-powered mobility solutions across diverse urban environments.

Operating in more than 35 countries across the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, Yango Group develops technologies that transform complex algorithms into accessible tools — supporting smarter, more efficient and more human-centered cities.

For the full methodology and city-by-city breakdown, visit here. A short video explaining the methodology is also available here.

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

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AMA, Business, Technology

Karcher Announces Joe Lahoud as President for Newly Formed Middle East & Africa (MEA) Region

MaraviPost

DUBAI, U.A.E., 17 February 2026-/African Media Agency(AMA)/- Karcher, the global leader in cleaning technology, has announced the promotion of Joe Lahoud to Regional President of the newly unified Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. This strategic consolidation brings 68 countries under a single leadership framework, streamlining Karcher’s extensive professional and consumer portfolios to better serve the evolving needs of the two continents.

By integrating Middle Eastern and African operations, Karcher aims to provide seamless access to its world-class cleaning solutions. The move places everything in the 1000+ product portfolio of Karcher, ranging from high-pressure cleaners and industrial scrubber driers to autonomous robots and municipal sweepers under Lahoud’s guidance. This leadership structure ensures that critical industries receive specialized, local and adapted support within multiple target groups such as Agriculture, Automotive, Building Service Contractor, Construction, Healthcare, Hospitality, Industry, Public Service, Retail, Transport and Mining.

Since 2020, Joe Lahoud has led Karcher’s Middle East operations, transforming the Dubai headquarters into a regional center of excellence. His tenure has been defined by high-volume growth and deepened partnerships with government entities, professionals and industrial leaders. In this expanded capacity, he will now oversee the strategic integration of the African continent, scaling distribution and technical support to meet rising demand in emerging markets.

Additionally, this move reinforces Karcher’s current official presence in key economic hubs such as Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, South Africa, and Kenya, while simultaneously strengthening an extensive dealer network that spans the entire continent.

”The unification of the MEA region allows us to tell a complete brand story. We are a resilient, innovation-driven ecosystem that supports national development and individual household cleaning needs simultaneously. From high-pressure cleaners for the weekend car wash to heavy-duty mining equipment, we are delivering a unified vision of efficiency and sustainability to every corner of these two continents.”

The strategic consolidation of the Middle East and Africa represents a bold step forward in Karcher’s global growth strategy. Under Lahoud’s leadership, this move harmonizes regional expertise with untapped market potential, creating a powerhouse of technical support and distribution. By streamlining operations, Karcher solidifies its role as an architect of modern infrastructure and sustainable living. Looking ahead, this new chapter promises a wealth of possibilities, empowering the entire region with the tools to build a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Karcher Middle East and Africa

About Karcher Middle East and Africa

Karcher is the world’s leading provider of cleaning technology. The family-owned enterprise employs 17,000 people in 87 countries and 170 subsidiaries. More than 50,000 service centres in all countries ensure continuous and comprehensive supplies to customers all over the world. In 1935, Alfred Kärcher laid the foundation for great success by founding his company. Today, Kärcher is the world market leader in cleaning technology and a globally active major corporation with a turnover of 3.483 billion euros in 2025. Despite its global reach, the headquarters remains firmly established at its roots in Winnenden. The Middle East & Africa subsidiary opened its doors in 1998 and handles 68 countries from its headquarters located in Jebel Ali, Dubai. The Karcher product range includes high-pressure cleaners, vacuum cleaners, steam cleaners, municipality sweepers & sweepers, scrubber driers, vehicle washing bays, dry ice blasters, watering systems and drinking water dispensers.
customercare.ae@karcher.com

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Lifestyle

US-Iran Talks Begin, Dems List Of DHS Demands, Search For Nancy Guthrie Continues

Maravi Post Reporter

The U.S. and Iran begin high-stakes talks in Oman today over Tehran’s nuclear program, If they can’t reach a deal, President Trump could launch a military strike from the large military force assembled in the Middle East.
Lawmakers now have just one week to fund the Department of Homeland Security, as Democrats release a detailed list of demands to overhaul how immigration enforcement officers operate.
And the FBI confirms a ransom letter in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, as investigators search for answers and her family pleads for proof she is alive.

Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Andrew Sussman, Jason Breslow, James Doubek, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.

Our Director is Milton Guevara.

We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. Our technical director is Stacey Abbott.

Our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.

(0:00) Introduction
(02:12) US-Iran Talks Begin
(05:36) Dem List of DHS Demands
(09:24) Search For Nancy Guthrie Continues

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AMA, Environment

Growing Waste Crisis in the Middle East and North Africa Costs US$7.2 billion a year, Threatens Growth and Tourism

MaraviPost

New World Bank report calls for more investment in better waste management and circular economy

Washington, USA, 28 Janurary 2026 -/African Media Agency (AMA)/-The Middle East and North Africa region generates more waste per person than the global average and causes an estimated US$7.2 billion in environmental damage each year, according to a new World Bank report: Waste Management in the Middle East and North Africa.

The region produces over 155 million tons of waste annually – a figure expected to double by 2050 if no action is taken. Rising waste generation is increasingly threatening public health, the environment, and the region’s tourism industry.

“Urban centers across the MENA region are on the frontline of the waste challenge,” said Almud Weitz, Regional Practice Director, Infrastructure, World Bank.“Improving waste service delivery is critical to reducing pollution, protecting communities, and ensuring cities remain engines of growth and opportunity.”

While waste collection rates are relatively high (nearly 80 percent on average), recycling and treatment lag far behind. Less than 10 percent of waste is recycled, and more than two-thirds is mismanaged, fueling air, soil, and water pollution, marine litter, and serious health risks. The region also has the highest per-capita plastic leakage into the seas, with the Mediterranean among the world’s most polluted.

“Even a modest shift can make a big difference,” said Mesky Brhane, Regional Practice Director, Planet Department, World Bank. “A 1 percent reduction in waste generation could save the region up to US$150 million annually. Modernizing waste systems and embracing circular economy solutions can protect public health, strengthen tourism, and build greener cities.”

Drawing on new data from 19 countries and 26 cities, the report outlines tailored pathways for countries. High-income countries can significantly reduce landfilling and scale circular solutions to capture waste before it goes to landfill; middle-income countries can reach universal collection and improve recovery and treatment; and fragile and conflict-affected states can prioritize low-tech and low-cost approaches, especially community-based.

The report highlights that up to 83 percent of the waste collected in MENA could be reused, recycled, or recovered for energy. Transitioning to a circular economy could also create better jobs, particularly in waste services and recycling, while turning today’s waste crisis into a driver of sustainable growth.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Word Bank Group.

Contacts
In Washington, DC
Ebrahim Al-Harazi
ealharazi@worldbank.org

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AMA

Bigo Live to Illuminate Seoul with Seventh Annual Awards Gala in 2026

MaraviPost

SEOUL, Singapore, 22 January 2026-/African Media Agency(AMA)/- Bigo Live, one of the world’s fastest-growing social live streaming platforms with over 600 million registered users across over 150 countries, has announced the seventh edition of its annual flagship event, the BIGO Awards Gala. Themed “SEOUL LIGHTS, BIGO NIGHTS,” the highly anticipated ceremony will take place at KBS Hall in Seoul on Friday, 23 January 2026, celebrating the passion and creativity of its global community of content creators over the past year.

BIGO Awards Gala 2026

This year’s theme, “SEOUL LIGHTS, BIGO NIGHTS” captures the spirit of the event, where the energy of Bigo Live’s creators will illuminate Seoul. The Gala will honour the dedication and talent of the platform’s creators and families, turning each moment into a shared celebration that is both unique and unforgettable. Seoul was selected as the host city for this year’s BIGO Awards Gala as it stands at the intersection of creativity, technology and culture, reflecting the vibrant and globally connected community that Bigo Live continues to build.

The star-studded event will welcome over 1,200 global guests, including those from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, North and South America, and Africa. The festivities will begin with a public red-carpet event, offering a first glimpse into the energy and vibrancy of the event

“Seoul’s dynamic energy is the perfect backdrop for our 2026 Gala,” said a spokesperson from Bigo Live. “‘SEOUL LIGHTS, BIGO NIGHTS’ is more than a theme, it’s a reflection of how our creators illuminate the platform with their talent and passion. We are thrilled to bring our global community together in this vibrant city to celebrate their achievements and the powerful connections they’ve built.”

The ceremony will honour over 200 content creators and families for their outstanding contributions over the past year, with winners receiving a trophy and in-app rewards, with select honourees also featured on prominent digital billboards in Gangnam’s high-profile media district, extending recognition beyond the platform.

The evening will also feature a diverse lineup of captivating performances, from live music to band shows by international artists, including special appearances by South Korean girl groups FIFTY FIFTY and tripleS, creating an immersive atmosphere where global creativity meets a shared rhythm.

As the night pulses with excitement, Bigo Live will also unveil an exclusive blind-box collection featuring its friendly mascot, mini-Dinos, bringing an extra spark of surprise to the night.

For viewers worldwide, the BIGO Awards Gala 2026 will be broadcast live on Bigo Live’s Music Live House channel (Bigo ID: music) and the official Bigo.tv website. The live broadcast will begin with the Red Carpet at 3:00 pm (GMT+9), followed by the Gala Ceremony at 7:00 pm (GMT+9). Viewers in the live room can vote for their favourite content creators and families during the gala night for three special awards: “MOST POPULAR BROADCASTER,” “MOST POPULAR FAMILY,” and “GALA STAR.”

To join Bigo Live’s global community and tune into the BIGO Awards Gala 2026, download the  Bigo Live app or visit the official website. Follow Bigo Live on Facebook and Instagram for latest updates.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Bigo Live

About Bigo Live
Bigo Live is one of the world’s fastest-growing livestreaming social communities where users broadcast in real-time to share life moments, showcase their talents, and interact with people from around the world. Bigo Live has more than 600 million users in over 150 countries. Launched in March 2016, Bigo Live is owned by BIGO Technology, which is based in Singapore. https://www.bigo.sg/

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Entertainment

‘NCIS’ Is the Gift That Keeps on Giving Thanks to ‘Origins,’ More Spinoffs

Maravi Post Reporter

It’s been more than 20 years since NCIS premiered as a backdoor pilot on JAG — and the genre of criminal investigation series has never been the same.

NCIS debuted in 2003, following Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs and his team of rowdy and somewhat green Naval Investigators — including Michael Weatherly’s Anthony “Tony” DiNozzo and Sean Murray’s Timothy McGee — as they found justice and answers for those killed or affected by crimes in the armed forces.

While there have been a lot of personnel changes over the past two decades, including Weatherly’s 2016 exit and Harmon’s 2021 departure, NCIS has remained a gift of a show — one that keeps on giving, for crime lovers.

Sure, spinoffs NCIS: New Orleans, NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: Hawai’i have all run their respective courses, but the flagship series was standing strong at the start of 2025 — and its spinoff game even stronger. (New Orleans ended in 2021, Los Angeles in 2023 and Hawai’i in 2024.)

Emily Wickersham Surprises ‘NCIS’ Fans With Bishop’s Season 23 Return

NCIS entered its 23rd season in fall 2025, something all of Us fans could, and very much did, celebrate.

The fall TV schedule also included new seasons of two beloved spinoffs, NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Sydney, as well as a new iteration of in the universe with familiar faces: NCIS: Tony & Ziva.

‘NCIS’

Why the NCIS Franchise Is the Gift That Keeps on Giving Thanks to Sydney Origins and More Spinoffs OG
Gary Cole, Sean Murray, Wilmer Valderrama and Katrina Law. Bill Inoshita/CBS

To say 2025 was full of riches for NCIS fans would be an understatement. NCIS dove into Alden Parker’s (Gary Cole) childhood, the death of his mother and teased Special Agent Ellie Bishop’s (Emily Wickersham) mysterious return to the show — and the season isn’t even over yet.

“We’re in our 23rd season, and you know, we’re still trying to do different shows and not trying to just do the same old thing,” Murray, 48, exclusively told Us Weekly in November of the OG series. “We’re trying to bring new stuff into it. And I think that’s one of the reasons why I’ve never been bored here.”

‘NCIS’ Universe Dating History: ‘NCIS: Sydney’ Stars’ Love Lives, More

Murray, the only original NCIS cast member still on the show, noted, “We’re always looking for the kind of, the interesting angle on things and a different take.”

Murray’s costars, which currently include Cole, Wilmer Valderrama, Katrina Law, Brian Dietzen, Rocky Carroll and Diona Reasonover, have also made it so fans keep coming back season after season in support.

NCIS’ spinoffs, however, are proving to be an equally valuable piece of the franchise’s success in recent years.

‘NCIS: Sydney’

Why the NCIS Franchise Is the Gift That Keeps on Giving Thanks to Sydney Origins and More Spinoffs Mackey JD
Olivia Swann, Todd Lasance. Daniel Asher Smith/Paramount+

NCIS: Sydney premiered in 2023, making it the first international iteration of the show. With female Special Agent Michelle Mackey (Olivia Swann) at the helm, fans have been taken into a whole different world of problem solving.

Mackey, along with her Australian Federal Police (AFP) counterpart Jim “JD” Dempsey (Todd Lasance), have viewers shipping them while also wondering how they can work side by side with so many cultural differences.

With the start of season 3, fans finally started to sink their teeth into the complex characters that make up their team — and the wild adventures that can happen in the Outback and beyond.

Katrina Law Wants Her ‘NCIS’ Character to Collab With Cote de Pablo’s Ziva

“The main thing for the characters is the past coming up to haunt us. And there is an overarching kind of conspiracy that somehow links to Mackey,” Swann, 33, exclusively told Us in October of the current season’s evolution. “It’s very, very interesting and very intricate. We are upping the ante in a way that I didn’t even think was possible. There is more action, there’s more drama, there is more fun.”

She teased, “It’s just a fun, wild ride, and we get to kind of tag along with this found family, these misfits who are just trying to keep people safe.”

Swann added that the writers really brought their A-game this season. “We have a treasure hunt. We have an alien abduction in the outback,” she promised. “We have a podcast cold case from years ago. We have a nanotech assassin. We have explosions up the wazoo.”

‘NCIS: Origins’

Why the NCIS Franchise Is the Gift That Keeps on Giving Thanks to Sydney Origins and More Spinoffs Prequel
Mariel Molino, Austin Stowell. Erik Voake/CBS

NCIS: Sydney isn’t the only spinoff that upped its game going into the fresh 2025 seasons. NCIS: Origins, which is actually a prequel series that debuted in 2024 didn’t shy away from drama, romantic entanglements or high-stakes cases to kick off season 2 earlier this year.

NCIS: Origins follows a young Gibbs, played by Austin Stowell, as he gets his start at NIS (it was once called Naval Investigation Service) in ‘90s while located in Southern California. His career with mentor Mike Franks (Kyle Schmid) begins after Gibbs’ wife and daughter are killed amid his tour overseas — which OG NCIS fans already know all about.

During season 2, however, the lingering romantic feelings between Gibbs and partner Lala Dominguez (Mariel Molino) became a major focus after she was nearly killed in a car accident to end season 1.

Why NCIS: Origins’ Mariel Molino Thinks Something ‘Bad’ Will Happen to Lala

Even though the series follows the NCIS cannon — so fans know Gibbs will be married a total of four times — viewers can’t help but root for Lala and Gibbs to be endgame. That desire for an entire franchise to somehow alter its trajectory speaks to the power of the acting in this show and just how beloved the stories are among fans.

“Even though we can’t play out this love, we can play out the subtleties of wanting someone and how that affects you in every aspect of your life, through work, in your career, in your personal life,” Molino, 33, exclusively told Us in October when asked about Lala and Gibbs’ future. “You just want to prove them wrong or make them proud.”

‘NCIS: Tony & Ziva’

Why the NCIS Franchise Is the Gift That Keeps on Giving Thanks to Sydney Origins and More Spinoffs Tony and Ziva
Cote de Pablo, Michael Weatherly. Marcell Piti/Paramount+

In September, Paramount+ added to the NCIS legacy with the premiere of NCIS: Tony & Ziva. If you’ve been around since day 1 of the OG series, then you could’ve guessed exactly what this spinoff was about. Tony DiNozzo (Weatherly) and Special Agent Ziva David (Cote de Pablo) and their story after they both left NCIS.

During their time on NCIS, the pair fell in love and after Ziva was presumed dead following an explosion at her family compound in the middle east, Tony discovered they shared a daughter named Tali. Ziva’s perceived death led to Tony leaving his job in Washington, D.C., to care for Tali and find out who harmed his true love.

NCIS fans eventually learned that Ziva was alive but it wasn’t until the Paramount+ show that they were privy to the missing years between Tony and Ziva once they were reunited. The creative spinoff included flashbacks to the years of 2020-2025 to tell the story of how the couple got back together, split up and coparented before being thrust back together to protect their daughter Tali from an imminent threat in modern-day Paris.

TV Couples We Should Leave Behind in 2025: ‘Landman’ and ‘Chicago Med’

NCIS: Tony & Ziva was canceled in December after just one season, but for fans of the couple it finally gave Us answers — and for that we are grateful.

“The real connection between them comes from, obviously, there are these very tender, also very flirtatious moments they have,” de Pablo, 46, exclusively told Us in October of Ziva and Tony’s connection ahead of the series finale. “Of course, [there are] the very sort of sexy scenes when they’re about to go into the apartment and all of that. As a fan, you have to see that to understand the payoff in the end. And so those flashbacks, I think work really well.”

As 2026 approaches, fans have more new episodes of NCIS, NCIS: Sydney and NCIS: Origins to look forward to — and if we’re lucky, more spinoffs to come down the line. But for now, all of Us can just breathe easy knowing the franchise is alive and well.

NCIS, NCIS: Origins and NCIS: Sydney return on CBS Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at 8 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET, respectively.

AMA, Technology

Nigeria Sets the Stage for Global Regulatory Technology Leadership as 2026 RegTech Africa Conference & Expo Heads to Abuja

MaraviPost

LAGOS, Nigeria, 11 December 2025-/African Media Agency (AMA)/-Under the distinguished patronage of the Office of the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, and in partnership with the Presidential Committee on Economic & Financial Inclusion (PreCEFI), with the collaboration of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), the 2026 RegTech Africa Conference & Expo will convene global leaders in policy, finance, and technology from 20th to 22nd May 2026 at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, Nigeria.

Anchored on the theme, “BUILDING TRUST, INFRASTRUCTURE AND POLICY FOR A BORDERLESS ECONOMY,” the conference is positioned as a premier global platform for shaping the future of trusted digital financial systems, cross-border trade, and regulatory innovation.

The event will bring together heads of government and regulatory agencies, central banks, financial intelligence units, multinational financial institutions, technology leaders, investors, and policy architects to align strategy around the infrastructure, governance, and digital trust frameworks required to unlock Africa’s full participation in the global digital economy.

“Regulatory technology is no longer optional. It has become the backbone of secure, inclusive, and sustainable economic systems. The 2026 RegTech Africa Conference & Expo represents Nigeria’s commitment to leadership in shaping global standards for trust, transparency, and cross-border economic collaboration,” Cyril Okoroigwe, Chair Organizing Committee. 

A central highlight of the event will be the hosting of the prestigious Global Startup World Cup Tournament – Regional Challenge, providing African startups with a world-class stage to pitch their solutions before an international panel of judges, venture capitalists, and industry experts. Winners of the regional challenge will proceed to compete at the grand finale in Silicon Valley, for a $1,000,000 investment prize, unlocking access to global investors, accelerators, and strategic partnerships.

“By bringing the Startup World Cup Regional Challenge to Abuja, we are not only showcasing African innovation, but connecting it directly to global capital, mentorship, and markets,” Graham Olasukanmi Lawal, Director Partnerships, Regtech Africa.

The three-day event, which provides strategic platform for dialogue, innovation, and collaboration will feature strategic ministerial dialogues, closed-door executive roundtables, investment-focused breakout sessions, technology showcases, and curated networking platforms designed to foster impactful public–private partnerships.

Sponsorship and Strategic Partnership Opportunities

Public and private sector organizations, multinational corporations, development finance institutions, technology firms, and venture funds are invited to participate as strategic sponsors and partners. Curated partnership opportunities are available across policy leadership, infrastructure development, innovation acceleration, and market expansion pillars.


“This is a rare opportunity for forward-looking institutions to align their brands with the future of regulation, trust infrastructure, and borderless digital commerce in Africa and beyond,” Mr. Lawal noted.

The conference is expected to attract thousands of participants from across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America.


Registration & Partnership Opportunities Now Open

To explore partnership opportunities or register interest, please contact: info@regtechafrica.com

For further details, visit: www.regtechafricaconference.com.

Distributed by African Media Agency on behalf of RegTech Africa.

About RegTech Africa 

RegTech Africa is a leading authority advancing the adoption of regulatory technology and digital trust infrastructure across the African continent. Through world-class conferences, research, and multi-stakeholder collaborations, RegTech Africa fosters innovation that strengthens financial stability, accelerates inclusion, and enhances regulatory excellence.

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AMA

Kerten Hospitality enters Morocco with signing of Cloud 7 Hotel Dersa Tetuàn

MaraviPost

Oromecanica Group partners with Kerten Hospitality to open Cloud 7 in Morocco amid the country’s booming tourism growth

CASABLANCA, Morocco, 20 November 2025 -/African Media Agency(AMA)/-Kerten Hospitality, the global lifestyle operator renowned for creating community-driven destinations, today announced the signing of Cloud 7 Dersa Tetuàn in partnership with Oromecanica Group, a distinguished Moroccan jeweler celebrated for its commitment to authentic craftsmanship and fine artisanal heritage. The signing, which took place in Casablanca, marks Kerten Hospitality’s foray into Morocco’s vibrant and rapidly growing hospitality market.

Set within the historic Dersa building, an architectural landmark in Tetouan’s Spanish-era district, the project will preserve the original façade while reimagining the interior into a contemporary, design-led hospitality experience. The concept will reflect Tetouan’s Andalusian spirit as well as Oromecanica group’s dedication to artistry, intricate detail, and haute-couture aesthetics. Located minutes from the Martil–Tamuda Bay coastline and close to Tetouan’s major cultural sites, Cloud 7 Dersa Tetuàn is poised to introduce a new standard of lifestyle hospitality in one of Morocco’s most culturally resonant destinations.

Mr. Aziz El Hajouji, Chairman of Oromecanica Group, said:

“Our maison RAFINITY Joaillerie has grown around a commitment to excellence and a singular aesthetic. The integration of hospitality expertise into our world follows the same ambition: offering to our clients an experience of welcome and refinement that resonates with the spirit of our creations. As the founder of the company, I champion this vision of elegance and high standards in every initiative we undertake.”

Leveraging Tetouan’s rising tourism momentum and flourishing arts scene, Cloud 7 Dersa Tetuàn is set to become a new benchmark for experiential stays in northern Morocco. Backed by Oromecanica Group’s passion for heritage and elevated design, and powered by Cloud 7’s community-driven approach, the hotel will celebrate Tetouan’s identity as a gateway to both tradition and contemporary Mediterranean living.

Marloes Knippenberg, CEO of Kerten Hospitality, commented:

“We are super excited to partner with Oromecanica Group and to bring Cloud 7 to Morocco. This authentic address with its rich artistic heritage, is the ideal destination for boutique travellers, digital creatives, national or international weekenders and architecture & heritage enthusiasts and we look forward to bringing our unique lifestyle hospitality experience to Tetouan.”

Imad Barrakad, CEO, Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development (SMIT), added: “This project is a great tribute to our efforts in bringing more professionals into the hospitality sector in Morocco, particulary in the lifestyle segment of the market.”

Cloud 7 Dersa Tetuàn will feature 63 keys including family suites, several food & beverage outlets including Kerten Hospitality’s signature, award-wining restaurant Joontos; a cigar lounge; lobby café and rooftop bar. 

“Morocco’s dynamic hospitality sector has been experiencing sustained growth, driven by strong government investment in tourism, expanding air connectivity, and rising global interest in the country’s rich cultural and natural offerings. With new infrastructure projects, diversified tourism strategies, and record-breaking international arrivals, this is an exciting time and significant opportunity for new brands to enter the country,” added Knippenberg.

Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of Kerten Hospitality

NOTE TO EDITORS

About Kerten Hospitality:

Kerten Hospitality is an end-to-end lifestyle hospitality operator with a core focus on lodging, including hotels, serviced residences, and mixed-use hospitality destinations. The company creates community-rooted, experience-led places to stay and live, shaped by the character and culture of the surroundings. Kerten Hospitality creates distinctive destinations by integrating relevant elements such as dining, wellness, culture and social spaces in ways that complement and enhance each property’s identity. Kerten Hospitality currently operates 11 properties, with a confirmed pipeline of 57 projects across the Middle East, Europe and Africa.

In Morocco, Kerten Hospitality is advised by Mohamed Yacoubi. For inquries, Mohamed can be contacted at myacoubi@kertenhospitality.com

Media Contact:

Anne Bleeker | Managing Director In2 Consulting

E-mail: anne@in2consulting.com

Mob: +971 56 6030886

The post Kerten Hospitality enters Morocco with signing of Cloud 7 Hotel Dersa Tetuàn appeared first on African Media Agency.

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