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

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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.

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Chongqing’s daring design: The 6-storey gas station split by a hill

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YUZHONG-(MaraviPost)-A striking architectural landmark in Chongqing’s Yuzhong District has captured global attention, featuring not one, but two gas stations positioned on different floors of the same building, showcasing the city’s innovative approach to urban design.

The building, situated in a steep, mountainous terrain, boasts two distinct gas stations: one conveniently located on the 1st floor, and another on the 6th floor (rooftop), defying traditional notions of urban planning and challenging perceptions of what is possible in construction.

The 1st-floor station is easily accessible via Changbin Road, at the base of the hill, while the 6th-floor rooftop station is level with Nanqu Road, higher up the slope, creating an intriguing “ground” illusion, where both stations are essentially at “street level” depending on the road you’re driving on.

The four floors between the two stations are utilized primarily as parking spaces, making the most of the building’s unique layout and maximizing the use of space in a densely populated urban area.

Interestingly, despite the stations appearing to be only a few stories apart, the driving distance between the lower entrance and the upper entrance is approximately 3 kilometers, due to the winding roads required to navigate the elevation change, highlighting the complexities of building in Chongqing’s challenging terrain.

This innovative structure is a testament to Chongqing’s reputation for “8D” or “magical” urban design, where architects and engineers push the boundaries of what is possible, creating functional spaces that are both practical and awe-inspiring.

The building has drawn comparisons to other incredible examples of Chongqing’s architecture, such as the train that runs through a residential building, solidifying the city’s reputation as a hub for innovative and daring design.

As a result, this gas station has become a must-see attraction for architecture enthusiasts and curious travelers alike, offering a glimpse into the city’s unique blend of functionality and creativity.

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Eswatini-based Malawian Kampeni advocates for AI-driven development across Africa

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Airtel Malawi

MBABANE-(MaraviPost)-Malawian International Relations and Development Studies expert, Mphatso Kampeni, says Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to transform Africa’s economies and education systems if adopted responsibly and strategically.

In an interview with Maravi Post, Kampeni who is based in the Kingdom of Eswatini, recently graduated from the University of Eswatini as a Generative AI for Educators Practitioner.

Capital One

He described his achievement as a major milestone, noting that AI is set to revolutionise the way various sectors operate across the African continent.

“I feel greatly accomplished knowing that AI is here to revolutionise the way we work in different sectors of our African economies,” said kampeni.

Why AI Matters for Africa

According to Kampeni, AI is reshaping global economies and education systems, and Africa stands to benefit significantly from its adoption.

He outlined several key areas where AI can drive development on the continent.

Economic Development

Kampeni explained that AI-powered automation can increase productivity in agriculture, manufacturing, and services by optimising inputs, predicting equipment failures, and supporting smart supply-chain management.

He pointed to AI-based crop-monitoring applications that are helping small-scale farmers improve yields while reducing water and fertiliser use.

Kampeni added that although some traditional jobs may be replaced, AI is creating new industries in fields such as data annotation, fintech, renewable-energy management, and health-tech diagnostics, ultimately generating new high-skill employment opportunities.

He further noted that machine-learning models using alternative data sources such as satellite imagery and mobile-money transactions are helping financial institutions assess creditworthiness for underserved populations, thereby improving access to loans for farmers and small-scale entrepreneurs.

Said kampeni:”In addition,AI is enhancing the management of key resources by improving the delivery of electricity, water, and transport services.

“Predictive maintenance of off-grid solar systems, for instance, reduces downtime and ensures more reliable access to clean energy.”

Education

In the education sector, Kampeni highlighted the potential of AI to support personalised learning.

He said adaptive learning tools can analyse each student’s progress and adjust content instantly, helping learners in overcrowded or remote classrooms stay on track.

He also emphasised that AI can ease teachers’ workloads by automating tasks such as grading and feedback generation, giving educators more time to mentor students and encourage critical thinking.

Kampeni also discussed the role of natural-language processing in expanding access to learning materials.

He said:”These tools can rapidly translate educational content into local languages, promoting inclusivity and improving comprehension.”

He added that by analysing enrolment, attendance, and performance data, education ministries can make more informed decisions, identify problem areas quickly, and allocate resources more effectively.

Challenges to Address

Kampeni cautioned that Africa must overcome several obstacles to fully benefit from AI.

He stressed that reliable electricity and internet connectivity remain limited in many rural areas and that significant investment in digital infrastructure is needed.

He also pointed out that there is a considerable shortage of AI experts and data scientists across the continent, making capacity-building crucial.

Kampeni further noted that strong privacy regulations and accurate, representative datasets are essential to ensure responsible AI use.

Additionally, he warned that without deliberate planning, AI could deepen inequalities by benefiting urban populations more than those in remote communities.

Looking Ahead

Kampeni expressed optimism that, with coordinated action among governments, the private sector, academia, and international partners, AI can accelerate progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

He expressed hope that when properly integrated, AI can improve health outcomes, enhance agricultural productivity, expand financial services, and deliver quality education to millions of Africans.

He emphasised that success will depend on building digital infrastructure, developing local expertise, and establishing regulatory frameworks that protect citizens while supporting innovation.

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When a bird isn’t a bird: How China’s biomimicry drones are redefining modern warfare

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Airtel Malawi

What if the bird perched innocently on a power line wasn’t a bird at all, but a military drone preparing for a precision strike?

China has quietly pushed global warfare into a new and unsettling chapter with the development of ornithopters—mechanical drones engineered to look and fly exactly like real birds.

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These devices don’t rely on the typical loud propulsion systems associated with conventional drones.

Instead, they use flapping wings that mimic avian movement with astonishing accuracy.

At a distance, and sometimes even up close, they are nearly impossible to distinguish from actual wildlife.

The technology forms part of covert programs reportedly operating under names like “Dove,” which focus on producing drones that resemble species ranging from small sparrows to imposing eagles.

Their mastery of biomimicry allows these machines to blend seamlessly into natural environments, evading radar systems and fooling the human eye.

This level of stealth gives military units unprecedented surveillance capability, especially in sensitive or hostile territories.

But surveillance is only the beginning of their potential.

Reports suggest that the larger, hawk-sized models are capable of carrying lethal, miniaturized precision-guided micro-warheads.

This means these robotic birds are not just collecting intelligence but also providing the ability to carry out silent, targeted strikes.

Such weaponized biomimicry represents a profound shift in how military force can be projected with minimal visibility.

By merging natural imitation with advanced engineering, special operations teams gain the ability to strike without relying on larger aircraft that are easier to detect.

In this emerging era of defense technology, the smallest objects in the sky may turn out to be the most dangerous.

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Mutharika’s Government targets 2,000 rural secondary schools for internet connectivity

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Airtel Malawi

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-President Peter Mutharika’s government of Malawi is set to connect 2,000 secondary schools in rural areas to the internet through the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority’s (MACRA) Connect A School project.

Minister of Information and Communications Technology, Shadric Namalomba has announced.

Capital One

Speaking during a tour of Phalula Community Day Secondary School’s ICT lab in Balaka, Namalomba emphasized the government’s commitment to achieving the Malawi 2063 Agenda, which aims to transform the country into a wealthy and self-reliant nation through ICT knowledge.

MACRA Acting Director General, Mphatso Mpiri, reaffirmed the authority’s dedication to scaling up connectivity to rural secondary schools, stating that the main objective is to open students to the world.

The installation of ICT labs has already shown improvements in student performance, according to Nancy Winiko, Desk Officer for Secondary Schools in the South East Education Division.

Phalula CDSS Head Teacher, Francis Chimwaza, reported improved pass rates, with highest scores in MSCE exams ranging from 17 to 19 points since the lab’s installation in 2023.

The Connect A School project is part of MACRA’s efforts to promote digital inclusion and empower Malawi’s education sector through technology.

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Airtel Africa Telesonic pairs with Nokia to build mega terrestrial fiber network

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Airtel Malawi

CAPE TOWN-(MaraviPost)-Airtel Africa, a leading provider of telecommunications and mobile money services across 14 African countries, has selected Nokia to build a transformative, high-capacity terrestrial fiber network spanning East and Central Africa for its cutting-edge fiber service, Airtel Africa Telesonic.

The strategic project aims to connect multiple African countries and link submarine cables to terrestrial networks, significantly enhancing digital connectivity across the continent.

Capital One

It will contribute towards boosting economic growth and improving the quality of life for communities in the continent by providing affordable and reliable digital infrastructure.

The project, which was unveiled at the ongoing 28th edition of AfricaCom,the largest gathering of Africa-focused connectivity leaders in the world, will connect the 2Africa subsea cable to Africa’s terrestrial networks, providing affordable and reliable connectivity.

Airtel Africa says, “By leveraging, Telesonic’s fiber assets and subsea cable systems, the initiative is expected to meet the growing demand for wholesale data in Africa, fostering economic growth and development.

“With Nokia’s 1830 Photonic Service Switch (PSS) platform, this new technology will enable the network to support up to 38 Terabits per second (Tbps) to facilitate fast data transfer and is C+L Band Ready to enhance its capacity”.

According to Airtel, the partnership will play a critical role in high-speed connectivity and delivering cloud-based services.

The company adds that, “Powered by Nokia’s high-speed coherent Photonic Service Engine (PSE) technology, the Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) network consisting of 139 nodes is deployed spanning multiple countries.

In addition to building Africa’s digital infrastructure, this project underscores Telesonic’s commitment to empowering businesses, education, and healthcare in Africa.

Razvan Ungureanu, Airtel Africa’s Chief Technology Officer said: “Deploying Nokia’s 1830 Photonic Service Switch platform is a pivotal upgrade to our network infrastructure across Africa.

“This will enable us to provide greater capacity and high-speed connectivity to efficiently handle webscale traffic”.

He added, “With Nokia’s Photonic Service Engine powering our DWDM network across multiple countries, we are setting the stage for transformative growth and new opportunities throughout the continent.”

PD Sarma, Airtel Africa Telesonic’s Chief Executive Officer said: “Our collaboration with Nokia is a significant milestone in advancing Africa’s digital infrastructure. By leveraging Nokia’s cutting-edge fiber-optic solutions, we aim to meet the escalating demand for data across the continent.

“This network will drive economic growth, empower communities, and create new opportunities for businesses and individuals alike.”

Samer Lutfi, Nokia Middle East & Africa’s Head of Growth Group for Network Infrastructure
said: “We are proud to partner with Airtel Africa Telesonic in this ambitious project to enhance digital connectivity across Africa.

Our advanced DWDM technology, with its high capacity and reliability, is built to help enterprises succeed in their mission to spark digital transformation and economic growth in the region. This project is a reflection of our shared commitment to
connecting communities and driving progress.”

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