From shopping to tourism, French protests hit economy

From shopping to tourism, French protests hit economy
source: AFP

AFP / Eric FEFERBERG A bakery near the Saint -Lazare railway station in Paris was ransacked

Shops shuttered in the run-up to Christmas, chaos on the roads: France's "yellow vest" protests are dealing a blow to the economy which the finance minister says is no less than a "catastrophe".

As riots flared in Paris on Saturday, Livio Forte, a tourist from New York, could only watch on as police trucks lined up on the Place Vendome.

The chic square's luxury jewellery shops were boarded up, the diamonds and watches gone from their windows to protect them from looters.

The trip had been intended as a romantic surprise for his wife Carmela's 59th birthday. At least, they joked, it would be a memorable one.

"Everything's closed," Carmela said.

The couple had planned a trip to Normandy to see the beach where Carmela's father fought in World War II, but ended up cancelling it because of anti-government roadblocks.


AFP / JACQUES DEMARTHON With tourists reluctant to risk being tear-gassed, one hotel chain estimates New Year bookings are down by at least 10 percent


The Eiffel Tower, museums, department stores -- all closed on what would normally be a bustling Saturday in the run-up to Christmas.

The US embassy had issued a warning to Americans to "avoid crowds" in Paris, while Belgium, Portugal and the Czech Republic advised citizens to postpone trips altogether.

- Retail and hotels hit -


AFP / Eric FEFERBERG Cars, motorbikes and barricades were burned in the streets

For a third weekend running, shops were looted in the French capital, their windows smashed, cars torched and barricades burned in the streets.

Riots also shook other French cities popular with tourists, including Bordeaux and Toulouse.

"It's a period when commerce is usually brisk, just before Christmas -- but this, this is a catastrophe," Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire said as he visited Parisian shopkeepers.

He promised "direct" help for businesses affected, as Emmanuel Macron prepares to address the nation this week in a bid to end the deepest crisis of his presidency.

Clad in their luminous safety jackets, the "yellow vests" show no sign of calling off weeks of protests over rising living costs and accusations that Macron only looks out for the rich.

The government has yet to release an estimate of how much damage the demonstrations have dealt to the economy.

But the central bank's forecast for fourth-quarter growth, released Monday, will give an early indication.

With tourists reluctant to risk being tear-gassed on a trip to Paris, the National Hotel Chains' Group estimates reservations for the New Year down at least 10 percent.

Le Maire's ministry estimated last month that large retailers had seen a 15 percent drop in revenues and small businesses a drop of up to 40 percent.

"The smaller a business is, the more fragile it is," Francois Asselin, head of the CPME confederation of small and medium-sized businesses, wrote in the Journal du Dimanche newspaper.

"We're very worried."

- The cost of concessions -



AFP / SYLVAIN THOMAS Anti-government roadblocks by "yellow vest" protesters have caused disruption on the roads


Asselin predicts that overall, the "yellow vest" movement will cost small and medium-sized businesses some 10 billion euros ($11.4 billion).

He has called on the government for help, and urged banks to offer more credit to businesses and accept delayed loan payments as the crisis rumbles on.

Beyond the costs to the private sector, there's the considerable hit to public coffers from concessions made to the protesters.

This week Macron scrapped the planned rises in fuel taxes which first sparked the protests among car-reliant workers in small-town and rural France.

That is set to blow a hole in the budget of around two billion euros ($2.3 billion).

In addition, there's the 500-million-euro relief package for low-income families which he had already offered in a failed bid to mollify the protesters.

Macron had planned to reduce France's deficit to 2.8 percent of GDP this year, just under the EU-mandated 3.0 percent limit.

But further expensive concessions could jeopardise that when combined with other risks such as a potential fall in investment as a result of the protests.

Le Maire insisted this week that France would meet its targets.

"The president fixed a course for respecting our European commitments, reducing our expenditure, reducing our debt and reducing our taxes. This course will be respected," hw said.

In the meantime, shopkeepers targeted by the rioters are counting the costs.

In the northwestern 17th district of Paris, an optician despondently surveyed the contents of his ruined store.

Far from the touristy centre, authorities and shopkeepers alike had expected this area to avoid trouble.

"They took everything. Everything," he said.

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May to address MPs on probable Brexit vote delay

May to address MPs on probable Brexit vote delay



AFP / Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS Theresa May will address MPs amid reports she is set to postpone a parliamentary vote on her Brexit deal

British Prime Minister Theresa May will on Monday address MPs amid reports she is set to postpone a parliamentary vote on her Brexit deal in a U-turn on the eve of what was expected to be a crushing defeat.

The pound fell sharply against the dollar on the reports, which increased uncertainty over whether Britain will agree any terms with the EU before it leaves the bloc in March next year.

Meanwhile the European Court of Justice ruled that Britain was free to halt withdrawal from the bloc unilaterally, raising hopes of those who want the whole process cancelled.

May faced a huge rebellion of her own Conservative MPs over the withdrawal agreement she struck in Brussels last month, while opposition parties are also against her.

Many of them want her to renegotiate the deal, noting the prime minister is due at a Brussels summit later this week.

May held talks this weekend with leaders including EU President Donald Tusk and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, prompting speculation she was seeking last-ditch changes.

Opposition Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said delaying the vote was a "desperate step".

"We have known for at least two weeks that Theresa May's worst of all worlds deal was going to be rejected by parliament because it is damaging for Britain," he said.

"Instead, she ploughed ahead when she should have gone back to Brussels to renegotiate or called an election so the public could elect a new government that could do so."

A big loss risked immediate challenges to May from within her party, where eurosceptics have long accused her of trying to water down Brexit, and from Labour.


AFP / Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS Some campaigners are calling for a second popular vote on Brexit


But pulling the vote also brings its own risks to the prime minister, with critics saying it was a signal of her weakness.

Pro-EU Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said if true, it was "a pathetic cowardice by a PM and government that have run out of road and now need to get out of the way".

Defeat would have left the tortuous Brexit process in a state of flux, but so too does no vote at all.

The pound lost 0.4 percent against the dollar compared to Friday's closing value.

- Hard-won compromise -

May's Downing Street office had on Monday morning insisted the House of Commons vote was going ahead as planned on Tuesday, but minutes later reports emerged that May would seek to postpone it.

A parliamentary official confirmed the prime minister will address MPs at 3.30pm (1530 GMT) on Brexit, while her minister responsible for parliamentary business will speak afterwards.

The Brexit divorce text, which defines terms on which Britain leaves its main trading partner after 46 years, is the most important to go before the House of Commons in years.

May's deal faced opposition from the start, but in the past two weeks she has toured the country and met with countless colleagues in a bid to persuade them to support it.

Still, more than 100 Conservative MPs -- nearly one-third of the party -- were reportedly against it, as were her key allies, the Northern Irish Democratic Unionist Party (DUP).

AFP / Gillian HANDYSIDE Brexit timeline

Environment Secretary Michael Gove, an influential Brexit backer, earlier cast doubt on any major re-negotiation with the EU.

He told BBC radio that "a fundamental re-opening" of the withdrawal agreement risked EU countries wanting to change it "in a way that may not necessarily be to our advantage".

EU leaders have ruled out any re-negotiation of the divorce deal.

However, some EU officials have mentioned the possibility of changes to the accompanying political declaration on future trade ties between Britain and the EU after Brexit.

As he arrived for an EU meeting in Brussels on Monday, Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said the deal was a "hard-won compromise".

"The deal that is there... is not going to change, particularly the legal language of the withdrawal treaty," he said.

Gove also warned fellow MPs that voting down the current Brexit deal on the table risked "either potentially no Brexit... (or) the very uncomfortable circumstances of no deal".

The Bank of England and the Treasury warn that Britain crashing out of the EU with no new legal relationship in place could trigger a recession, crash the pound and cause a plunge in house prices.

Uncertainty has hit the economy, with official data on Monday showing that gross domestic product grew by just 0.1 percent in October from September.

May's team insists that her vision offers the cleanest break between the UK and EU that Brexit supporters could hope for at this late stage.

source: https://www.afp.com/en/news/3954/may-address-mps-probable-brexit-vote-delay-doc-1bh2mb3

Armenian PM wins snap vote by landslide

source: AFP
Armenian PM wins snap vote by landslide


AFP / KAREN MINASYAN Pashinyan has pledged to root out endemic corruption and address widespread poverty in Armenia

Armenia's acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has won a landslide victory in snap parliamentary elections, results showed Monday, cementing his authority months after sweeping to power in a peaceful revolution.

Pashinyan, a 43-year-old former journalist, has pledged to root out endemic corruption and address widespread poverty in the impoverished, landlocked ex-Soviet republic of three million people.

With all votes counted, the bloc led by Pashinyan's Civil Contract party had taken 70.43 percent of the vote, the central election commission said.

The Prosperous Armenia party led by influential oligarch and former arm wrestler Gagik Tsarukyan came a distant second with 8.27 percent.

Pashinyan hailed his victory on Monday morning, thanking the "mighty people" of Armenia.

"I am proud of you... Let's be courageous," he wrote on Facebook.

He became prime minister in May after spearheading weeks of peaceful anti-government rallies that ousted veteran leader Serzh Sarkisian.


AFP / KAREN MINASYAN Voters had expressed optimism about the political changes promised by Pashinyan


But efforts at reform stalled in the face of opposition from Sarkisian's Republican Party, which dominated the National Assembly until Pashinyan resigned last month and triggered the snap vote.

- 'Unchallenged rule' -

The Republican Party took 4.7 percent in Sunday's elections, failing to clear the five percent threshold needed to make it into parliament.

The only other party to clear the threshold was the liberal pro-Western Bright Armenia, which garnered 6.37 percent of the vote.

As both Prosperous Armenia and Bright Armenia are seen as Pashinyan-friendly, the absence of an opposition party in the newly elected parliament will be a trial run for Armenia's nascent democracy, analysts said.

"The elections have brought to completion the political change made by Pashinyan's 'velvet revolution.' Only pro-revolution parties made it to parliament," analyst Hakob Badalyan told AFP.

"The opposition is extremely weak and from now on public opinion will be the only counterweight to Pashinyan's unchallenged rule."

Analyst Gela Vasadze said: "Opposition parties were wiped off Armenia's political landscape and that's a challenge for Armenia's young democracy."

- 'Vote for positive change' -

Voters had expressed optimism about the political changes promised by Pashinyan.

"Thanks to the revolution, we will finally have fair elections," 72-year-old pensioner Parzik Avetisyan told AFP on election day.


 AFP/File / KAREN MINASYAN Previous elections in Armenia have been marred by accusations of fraud

"I voted for the positive change promised by Nikol," he added.

Turnout was 48.63 percent, the election commission said.

Previous elections have been marred by accusations of fraud but Pashinyan had last week promised "the best elections Armenia has ever seen".

International monitors hailed the elections' democratic conduct, saying the vote "respected fundamental freedoms and enjoyed broad public trust."

"The general absence of electoral malfeasance, including of vote buying and pressure on voters, allowed for genuine competition," observers from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe said in a statement.

Parliamentary polls had not been scheduled to be held until 2022.

Analysts say Pashinyan sought new elections at the peak of his popularity.

In September, his bloc scored a landslide victory in a municipal vote, winning more than 80 percent in the capital Yerevan, where nearly 40 percent of the country lives.

While seeking reforms at home, Pashinyan also pursued a balanced foreign policy during his first five months in office.

He reassured Russian President Vladimir Putin that Armenia would remain Moscow's loyal ally but at the same time sought to charm Western leaders.

During an international summit in the capital Yerevan in October he danced traditional Armenian dances with French President Emmanuel Macron and wore matching socks with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Nine political parties and two electoral blocs were competing for mandates in the National Assembly.

Despite their poor showings, Prosperous Armenia and Bright Armenia parties will take up at least 30 percent of parliamentary seats under an electoral law aimed at preventing ruling parties from holding too much power.

Armenian PM wins snap vote by landslide

source: AFP
Armenian PM wins snap vote by landslide


AFP / KAREN MINASYAN Pashinyan has pledged to root out endemic corruption and address widespread poverty in Armenia

Armenia's acting Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has won a landslide victory in snap parliamentary elections, results showed Monday, cementing his authority months after sweeping to power in a peaceful revolution.

Pashinyan, a 43-year-old former journalist, has pledged to root out endemic corruption and address widespread poverty in the impoverished, landlocked ex-Soviet republic of three million people.

With all votes counted, the bloc led by Pashinyan's Civil Contract party had taken 70.43 percent of the vote, the central election commission said.

The Prosperous Armenia party led by influential oligarch and former arm wrestler Gagik Tsarukyan came a distant second with 8.27 percent.

Pashinyan hailed his victory on Monday morning, thanking the "mighty people" of Armenia.

"I am proud of you... Let's be courageous," he wrote on Facebook.

He became prime minister in May after spearheading weeks of peaceful anti-government rallies that ousted veteran leader Serzh Sarkisian.


AFP / KAREN MINASYAN Voters had expressed optimism about the political changes promised by Pashinyan


But efforts at reform stalled in the face of opposition from Sarkisian's Republican Party, which dominated the National Assembly until Pashinyan resigned last month and triggered the snap vote.

- 'Unchallenged rule' -

The Republican Party took 4.7 percent in Sunday's elections, failing to clear the five percent threshold needed to make it into parliament.

The only other party to clear the threshold was the liberal pro-Western Bright Armenia, which garnered 6.37 percent of the vote.

As both Prosperous Armenia and Bright Armenia are seen as Pashinyan-friendly, the absence of an opposition party in the newly elected parliament will be a trial run for Armenia's nascent democracy, analysts said.

"The elections have brought to completion the political change made by Pashinyan's 'velvet revolution.' Only pro-revolution parties made it to parliament," analyst Hakob Badalyan told AFP.

"The opposition is extremely weak and from now on public opinion will be the only counterweight to Pashinyan's unchallenged rule."

Analyst Gela Vasadze said: "Opposition parties were wiped off Armenia's political landscape and that's a challenge for Armenia's young democracy."

- 'Vote for positive change' -

Voters had expressed optimism about the political changes promised by Pashinyan.

"Thanks to the revolution, we will finally have fair elections," 72-year-old pensioner Parzik Avetisyan told AFP on election day.


 AFP/File / KAREN MINASYAN Previous elections in Armenia have been marred by accusations of fraud

"I voted for the positive change promised by Nikol," he added.

Turnout was 48.63 percent, the election commission said.

Previous elections have been marred by accusations of fraud but Pashinyan had last week promised "the best elections Armenia has ever seen".

International monitors hailed the elections' democratic conduct, saying the vote "respected fundamental freedoms and enjoyed broad public trust."

"The general absence of electoral malfeasance, including of vote buying and pressure on voters, allowed for genuine competition," observers from the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe said in a statement.

Parliamentary polls had not been scheduled to be held until 2022.

Analysts say Pashinyan sought new elections at the peak of his popularity.

In September, his bloc scored a landslide victory in a municipal vote, winning more than 80 percent in the capital Yerevan, where nearly 40 percent of the country lives.

While seeking reforms at home, Pashinyan also pursued a balanced foreign policy during his first five months in office.

He reassured Russian President Vladimir Putin that Armenia would remain Moscow's loyal ally but at the same time sought to charm Western leaders.

During an international summit in the capital Yerevan in October he danced traditional Armenian dances with French President Emmanuel Macron and wore matching socks with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Nine political parties and two electoral blocs were competing for mandates in the National Assembly.

Despite their poor showings, Prosperous Armenia and Bright Armenia parties will take up at least 30 percent of parliamentary seats under an electoral law aimed at preventing ruling parties from holding too much power.

China slams 'inhumane' treatment of Huawei executive

China slams 'inhumane' treatment of Huawei executive
source: AFP


 AFP/File / WANG ZHAO Chinese telecom giant Huawei's chief financial officer Meng Wanzhou faces US fraud charges related to sanctions-breaking business dealings with Iran

China on Monday ratcheted up its protest over the arrest of an executive of telecom giant Huawei on a US warrant in Canada, calling reports of her treatment "inhumane" as she seeks her release on bail for health reasons.

China's latest tirade over the case came as Meng Wanzhou, the daughter of the company's founder, faces a Canadian court's decision on bail later Monday in Vancouver.

Meng's arrest on December 1 has infuriated Beijing, rocking stock markets and raising tensions amid a truce in the US-China trade war.

A Chinese vice foreign minister summoned the US and Canadian ambassadors at the weekend, demanding that the US withdraw its arrest warrant and warning Canada that it faces "grave consequences".

Meng, 46, faces US fraud charges related to alleged sanctions-breaking dealings with Iran.

In a 55-page sworn affidavit, Meng said she has suffered from severe hypertension for years and has been treated in a Canadian hospital since her arrest.

"I continue to feel unwell and I am worried about my health deteriorating while I am incarcerated," the document read.

Meng said that she has had "numerous health problems" during her life, including surgery for thyroid cancer in 2011.

"I wish to remain in Vancouver to contest my extradition and I will contest the allegations at trial in the US if I am ultimately surrendered," she said.

China's state-run Global Times newspaper reported, without citing sources, that "it seems that the Canadian detention facility is not offering her the necessary health care".

"We believe this is inhumane and violates her human rights," foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang said at a regular press briefing, citing such reports.

Lu also said the Canadian government did not immediately notify the Chinese embassy or consulate about Meng's arrest, as it should have under a consular agreement.

China has itself faced global criticism over its human rights record and treatment of detained activists and minorities.

Last year, dissident Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo died of liver cancer while in custody after China rejected international appeals to let him travel abroad for treatment.

The international community has voiced concern about reports that up to one million Uighurs and other mostly Muslim minorities are held in internment camps in the northwest region of Xinjiang.

- Flight risk? -

In a bail hearing that was adjourned on Friday, Canadian Crown prosecutor John Gibb-Carsley asked for bail to be denied, saying Meng has been accused of "conspiracy to defraud multiple financial institutions".

If convicted, she faces more than 30 years in prison. The extradition process could take months, even years, if appeals are made in the case.

Meng said she has ties to Vancouver that go back 15 years. She and her husband own several properties in the city, and she even had a Canadian permanent residency permit that she has since renounced.

Analysts say her arrest could be used as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations between the United States and China.

Meng was arrested the same day that presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping agreed to a 90-day trade war truce.

- National security threat? -

But US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer rejected suggestions that the case could affect the negotiations, as the two sides face a March 1 deadline to reach an agreement.

Meng's arrest "shouldn't really have much of an impact" on the talks, Lighthizer told CBS's "Face the Nation", although he conceded that the Chinese side might see it that way.

"For us, it's unrelated" to trade policy matters. "It's criminal justice."

Separately, White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow denied reports that Trump was "livid" that the arrest of Meng occurred while the US leader dined with Xi.

"He didn't know," Kudlow told "Fox News Sunday." "He learned way later."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said politics played no part in the decision to arrest Meng.

While the White House denies any connection between the trade talks and the arrest, US concerns about security linked to the ambitions of Chinese high-tech companies and the alleged theft of intellectual property are at the heart of the trade dispute.

Huawei has denied any ties to the Chinese government, but many in Washington and other Western capitals are sceptical and have raised security concerns.

US federal law already bans military and government use of devices made by Huawei and fellow Chinese firm ZTE.

Influential Republican Senator Marco Rubio told "Face the Nation" that he plans to reintroduce legislation that would ban companies like Huawei from doing business in the US because they "pose a threat to our national interests."

Stocks, oil prices retreat; pound down on eve of Brexit vote

Stocks, oil prices retreat; pound down on eve of Brexit vote



AFP/File / Johannes EISELE Investors fret that the arrest of a top Huawei executive could throw a spanner in the works of a fragile trade war truce between Beijing and Washington

Stock markets and oil prices retreated Monday, while the pound faltered on the eve of the UK parliament's crucial vote on Brexit.

Traders were digesting a menu of high risks to the global economy, notably the China-US trade row, signs of weakness in the Chinese and US economies, Brexit and volatile oil prices.

"It's shaping up to be another tough week in financial markets," noted Craig Erlam, senior market analyst at Oanda trading group.

"Friday's (US) jobs report did little to stop the bleeding, with jobs growth in November coming in well short of expectations," he added.

In London, official data Monday showed that Britain's Brexit-facing economy experienced sluggish growth in October on a stalling car sector.

The data came as British Prime Minister Theresa May begins a final push to persuade parliament to back her Brexit deal Tuesday and after the European Court of Justice ruled Britain was free to halt withdrawal from the bloc unilaterally.

Elsewhere Monday, oil prices slid on profit-taking, having surged ahead of the weekend as OPEC and other key crude producers including Russia agreed to cut output by 1.2 million barrels a day.

Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said the agreement "should help the market reach a balance" after prices plunged by about a third from their four-year highs seen at the start of October.

"Oil's future rests on trade wars and weakening data, and whether either or both of these factors will start to ease in coming months, boosting demand expectations," noted Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG.


 AFP / Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS Eyes are now on Westminster, where Prime Minister Theresa May is struggling to garner enough votes to push through her Brexit deal on Tuesday

In Asia, China on Monday ratcheted up its protest over the arrest of an executive of telecom giant Huawei on a US warrant in Canada, calling reports of her treatment "inhumane" as she seeks her release on bail for health reasons.

China's latest tirade over the case came as Meng Wanzhou, the daughter of the company's founder, faces a Canadian court's decision on bail later Monday in Vancouver.

Meng's arrest on December 1 has infuriated Beijing, rocking stock markets and raising tensions amid a truce in the US-China trade war.

US President Donald Trump and Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping agreed at the G20 this month to a 90-day ceasefire in the multi-billion-dollar tariffs row that will allow officials to find a resolution. A threatened hike in levies on Chinese imports will be imposed if no agreement is reached.

- Key figures around 1115 GMT -

London - FTSE 100: DOWN 0.2 percent at 6,765.17 points

Frankfurt - DAX 30: DOWN 0.4 percent at 10,746.64

Paris - CAC 40: DOWN 0.3 percent at 4,797.81

EURO STOXX 50: DOWN 0.2 percent at 3,052.23

Tokyo - Nikkei 225: DOWN 2.1 percent at 21,219.50 (close)

Hong Kong - Hang Seng: DOWN 1.2 percent at 25,752.38 (close)

Shanghai - Composite: DOWN 0.8 percent at 2,584.58 (close)

New York - Dow Jones: DOWN 2.2 percent at 24,388.95 (close)

Pound/dollar: DOWN at $1.2706 from $1.2742 at 2200 GMT Friday

Euro/dollar: UP at $1.1409 from $1.1406

Dollar/yen: UP at 112.71 yen from 112.68 yen

Oil - Brent Crude: DOWN 98 cents at $60.69 per barrel

Oil - West Texas Intermediate DOWN 90 cents at $51.71

burs-bcp/rfj/cw

source: https://www.afp.com/en/news/3954/stocks-oil-prices-retreat-pound-down-eve-brexit-vote-doc-1bh16y7

Latest Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program for South African Students, 2020/2021

Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program for South African Students, 2020/2021

The HSAFP was conceived largely to provide educational enrichment for men and women in mid-career, that is, individuals in various occupations who have shown considerable skill in their chosen fields and leadership and are expected to benefit from advanced training.
Course Level: Fellowship (Academic)
Eligible Countries: South Africa
To Be Taken At (Country): USA
Eligibility Criteria: The following candidates are eligible:

• Candidates who have just completed, or who have not yet completed, a first degree are not selected unless this degree has been pursued concurrently with, or subsequent to, experience in the workplace.
• Fellows usually range in age from 30 to 45 years.
• Fellows must be South African citizens.
• Fellows submit their applications directly to the Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program at Harvard University. A committee of HSAFP alumni, Center staff and the CAS Faculty Director will interview the short-listed applicants in South Africa. Successful candidates must then apply to and be admitted at the specific Harvard school where they intend to study.
• Applicants should determine well in advance whether, if awarded a fellowship, they can be granted leave by their employers for Harvard’s academic year. They should generally plan to be in residence at Harvard from September until June. However, some programs require fellows to begin residence on July 1st. No candidate should accept an interview unless assured that such leave will be granted. The Center does not wish to assign fellowships to anyone who subsequently finds it impossible to use the opportunity.

Selection Criteria: Fellows are selected because they have shown considerable skill in their chosen fields, and are expected to benefit from advanced training. Since the inception of the Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program, the Center for African Studies has awarded over 200 fellowships.
Number of Awards: Not specified
Duration and Value of Program:  Fellowships are for a year of study (2020-2021) in one of Harvard’s Professional Schools or Graduate School of Arts & Sciences, with tuition waivers provided by the School once fellows are admitted.  General administrative funds for program management, stipends, and airfare for the fellow are provided by the Office of the President, and administered by the Center for African Studies, under the directorship of Professor John Mugane.
Method of Application: Apply here
Visit the Program Webpage for Details
Application Deadline: 4th April 2019
Award Providers: Harvard University

Latest 2019/2020 Federal Government Scholarship for Nigerian Undergraduate, MSc and PhD to Study Overseas

2019/2020 Federal Government Scholarship for Nigerian Undergraduate, MSc and PhD to Study Overseas

The Federal Scholarship Board by the Federal Ministry of Education of Nigeria is now offering the 2019/2020 Bilateral Educational Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Awards for Undergraduate, Masters and PhD students to study Overseas AND the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS TENABLE IN NIGERIA TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS
FOR NA, SDG (SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS) FOR GIRLS ONLY.
Course Level: The Awards are for Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) studies.
Offered annually? Yes
Eligible Countries: Nigeria
The Honourable Minister of Education, is hereby inviting interested and qualified Nigerians to participate in the 2019/2020 Nomination Interview for Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) Scholarship Awards for:
BILATERAL EDUCATION AGREEMENT (BEA)

• Undergraduate (UG) studies tenable in Russia, Morocco, Algeria, Serbia, Hungary, Egypt, Tunisia, Turkey, Cuba, Romania, Ukraine, Japan, Macedonia; and
• Postgraduate (PG) studies tenable in Russia (for those whose first degrees were obtained from Russia), China, Hungary, Serbia, Turkey, Japan, Mexico, South Korea.

NIGERIA AWARD SCHOLARSHIP (NA) 2019/2020 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS TENABLE IN NIGERIA TERTIARY INSTITUIONS FOR NA, SDG (SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS) FOR GIRLS ONLY
Eligibility Criteria:

FOR BILATERAL EDUCATION AGREEMENT (BEA)
• Undergraduate Scholarship:

• All applicants for undergraduate degree courses must possess a minimum qualification of Five (5) Distinctions (As & Bs) in the Senior Secoundary School Certificate, WAEC (May/June) only in the subjects relevant to their fields of study including English Language and Mathematics.
• Certificates should not be more than Two (2) years old (2017 & 2018).
• Age limit is from 18 to 20 years.

• Postgraduate Scholarship:

• All applicants must hold a First Degree with at least 2nd Class Upper Division.
• The applicants who are previous recipients of Foreign Awards must have completed at least two (2) years post qualification or employment practice in Nigeria.
• All applicants must have completed N.Y.S.C.
• Age limit is 35 years for Masters and 40 years for Ph.D.
• Evidence of readiness to be released by employer.

• Since the BEA countries are non-English speaking, applicants should be prepared to undertake a mandatory one year foreign languare of the country of choice which will be the standard medium of instruction; and
• All applicants for Hungarian Scholarship must visit the website before 15th January, 2019.
• Complete the application form online
• Print the completed form and bring to the interview venue in addition to 2.0 above.
FOR NIGERIA AWARD SCHOLARSHIP (NA) 2019/2020 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS TENABLE IN NIGERIA TERTIARY INSTITUIONS FOR NA, SDG (SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS) FOR GIRLS ONLY

• Applicants for Postgraduate studies should possess a minimum of first degree with Second Class Honours Upper Division. Applicant must be registered FullTime students of Federal or State Universities.
• All other applicants (UG, HND &NCE) must be registered full-time students in their second year or above in Federal or State Universities, Polytechnics, Monotechnics and Colleges of Education. All undergraduate Scholarship
  applicants (Physically challenged inclusive) must have at least 4.0 Cumulative Grade Points Aggregate (CGPA) on a five (5) point scale or its equivalents or 5.0 on a 7 point scale.

Number of Scholarships: Several
What are the benefits? 

• The participating countries are responsible for the tuition and accommodation, while Nigeria government takes care of supplement, warm clothing, health insurance, research grant where applicable and take off.
• The Nigeria Award (NA) SDG Scholarship award is to assist the scholar in the payment of:
  • Institutional charges and fees and
  • For Personal maintenance;
  • SDGs Scholarship is for female only.

How long will sponsorship last? The duration of the scholarship offer ranges from 4- 9 years depending on the level of study and the country.
Interview Dates and Zones (Venues): 2019/2020 FSB COMPTER BASED TEST VENUES AND DATES FROM 15TH TO 19TH JANUARY 2019 ARE IN THE Scholarship Webpage Links below
What to bring to Interview: All eligible applicants are to report for interview at the venues scheduled for their respective Zones of origin for proper identification. Two sets of the Printed, Completed application forms are usually submitted at the various interview centres with the following attachments:

• Two sets of Photocopies of Educational Certificates and Testimonials of previous schools attended with the originals for sighting;
• Only ONE certificate is accepted i.e WAEC of May/June only for undergraduate applicants;
• Two copies of Birth certificate  from National Population Commission;
• State of Origin/LGA certificate duly signed, stamped and dated;
• Four (4) passport sized coloured photographs on white background;
• Academic transcripts and NYSC discharge or Exemption certificates will be required from applicants for Postgraduate Studies.

Method of Application: Candidates nominated and finally selected by:
A. The awarding BEA countries will be required to submit to Federal Scholarship Board the following:

• Authenticated copies of academic certificates;
• Data page of current International passport, and
• Specified Medical Reports &
• Police clearance certificate where necessary.

B: THE NA/SDG AWARD:
Application forms are completed online as follows:
Complete form online
Submit and Print a copy
Attach Photocopy of the following documents to the Printed Copy

• Letter of Admission to the Institution
• Current Course Registration Form
• CGPA results of year 1, 2, 3, etc.
• Current School’s Identity Card
• Letter of Identification from your State/Local Government
• Two (2) passport size photographs with your name written at the back and duly signed by you.

GENERAL NOTICE: During the application candidates are expected to indicate the following:

1. Centre of choice for the Computer Based Test (CBT); and
2. Choice of programme preferred in order of priority (i.e. Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA), Nigerian Award (N/A), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) scholarship for girls only).
3. Warning : Double Entries will be disqualified

OFFICIAL PHONE NUMBERS:
i) Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA): 08077884417/09094268637
ii) Nigerian Award/SDGs: 08077884418/08091155229
iv) fsb@education.gov.ng/fsbbea@education.gov.ng/fsbna@education.gov.ng
For further Technical/Apps inquires please call: 08055581004
TIME : 9.00 A.M DAILY
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PARTICULAR APPLICATION DOES NOT ATTRACT ANY PROCESSING FEE. THEREFORE, BEWARE OF FRAUDSTERS!
SIGNED:
ARC SONNY T. ECHONO, fnia
PERMANENT SECRETARY
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
Visit the scholarship webpage for details  and also Here
Scholarship Application Deadline: The BEA interviews are between 15th January – 19th January 2019 across the six geopolitical zones. Candidates are advised to apply online before these dates.

Latest Govt of Hungary Scholarships for International Students, 2019/2020

Govt of Hungary Scholarships for International Students, 2019/2020

The Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Programme, by the Hungarian Government is offering international students the opportunity to undergo study of all types in Hungary for free. The core mission of the programme is to increase the number of foreign students in Hungary and to encourage Hungarian higher education institutions to attract top foreign students. The Programme is managed by Tempus Public Foundation.
Course Level: Stipendium Hungaricum scholarships are available for bachelor, master, one-tier master, doctoral and non-degree programmes (preparatory and specialisation courses).
Eligible Countries: International.
To be taken at (country): Hungary
Field of Study: Applicants are encouraged to apply for study fields that are in the educational cooperation programmes between Hungary and the specific Sending Partner
In the Hungarian education system, one-tier master programmes cover both the bachelor and the master level of studies; therefore it is an undivided master programme that results in a master degree. These one-tier programmes are offered in specific study fields such as general medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, architecture, law, veterinary surgery, forestry engineering, etc.
Eligibility Criteria: Applications will not be considered in the following cases:

• Hungarian citizens (including those with dual citizenships)
• former Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship Holders, who are re-applying for studies in the same cycle of education (non-degree studies, bachelor, master, doctoral level) including both full time and partial study programmes

Number of Awardees: Not specified
Value of Scholarship: 

• Tuition-free education
  • exemption from the payment of tuition fee

• Monthly stipend
  • non-degree, bachelor, master and one-tier master level: monthly amount of HUF 40 460 (cca EUR 130) contribution to the living expenses in Hungary, for 12 months a year, until the completion of studies
  • doctoral level: according to the current Hungarian legislation, the monthly amount of scholarship is HUF 140 000 (cca EUR 450) for the first phase of education (4 semesters) and HUF 180 000 (cca EUR 580) for the second phase (4 semesters) – for 12 months a year, until completion of studies.

• Accommodation
  • dormitory place or a contribution of HUF 40 000 to accommodation costs for the whole duration of the scholarship period

• Medical insurance
  • health care services according to the relevant Hungarian legislation (Act No. 80 of 1997, national health insurance card) and supplementary medical insurance for up to HUF 65 000 (cca EUR 205) a year/person

Duration of Scholarship: Duration of candidate’s chosen program:

• Bachelor programmes: Fulltime: 2-4 years. Partial: 1 or 2 semesters
• Master programmes:  Fulltime: 1.5-2 years. Partial: 1 or 2 semesters
• One-tier master programmes: Fulltime: 5-6 years Partial: 1 or 2 semesters
• Doctoral programmes:  Fulltime: 2+2 years Partial: 1 or 2 semesters
• Non-degree programmes:
  • Preparatory course in Hungarian language: 1 year
  • Other preparatory and specialisation courses: up to 1 year

For partial study programmes, students can apply from the following Sending Partners: Georgia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Japan, Kingdom of Cambodia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Lebanese Republic, Mongolia, People’s Republic of China (only Hudec applicants), Republic of Albania, Republic of Belarus, Republic of India, Republic of Korea, Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Republic of Turkey, Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Russian Federation, Syrian Arab Republic, United Mexican States.
Method of Application: 

• New online application surface of Tempus Public Foundation: here
• Applications shall also be submitted to the responsible authority of the Sending Partner

Visit Scholarship Webpage for details
Scholarship Application Deadline: 15th January 2019 (23:59 Central European Time)

Latest ICTP Postgraduate Diploma Scholarship for Foreign Students, 2019

ICTP Postgraduate Diploma Scholarship for Foreign Students, 2019

Supporting its mission to promote advanced scientific research in developing countries, the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) offers a Postgraduate Diploma Programme that prepares talented students for PhD studies. Scholarships and travel grants will be awarded to those 10 students selected from developing countries. There are no course fees.
Course Level: Research
Eligible Countries: Developing Countries
Two semesters of classes are followed by a research project and dissertation. Interested students can apply to study in one of five subject areas:

• High Energy, Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Earth System Physics
• Mathematics
• Quantitative Life Sciences

After the completion of the courses (including examinations), participants are required to work on a dissertation, to be submitted and defended.
Eligibility Criteria: 

• The Programme is open to young qualified graduates in physics, mathematics or related fields.
• Scholarships are awarded to successful candidates from developing countries (with particular emphasis on students from the least developed regions of the world).

Selection Criteria: The selection of the candidates is based on their university performance as well as on academic recommendations. The selection committee aims to select the best academically qualified candidates while striving for gender balance and geographical distribution.
Number of Awards: A limited number of scholarships (around 10 per field) will be awarded to successful candidates.
Value of Award: Scholarships will be used to cover candidate’s travel and living expenses during their stay at ICTP.
Method of Application:  Apply online.
Visit the Program Webpage for Details
Scholarship Application Deadline: 28th February 2019.

Latest M-Net Magic In Motion Academy Internship+Scholarship Program 2019

M-Net Magic In Motion Academy Internship+Scholarship Program 2019

M-Net is once again proudly supporting the development of young talent in the entertainment industry with the renewal of its Magic in Motion Academy programme for 2019.
Course Level: Training, Internship
Eligible Countries: South Africa
To be taken at (country): South Africa
Eligibility Criteria: 

• Must have completed (in 2017/ or completing (in 2018),  a 3 year Diploma / Degree in Film and TV or related qualification
• A minimum of  C + Aggregate
• Applicants must ensure that all information included in their entry is valid and true.
• All applicant information will be subject to credit, criminal and verification checks.
• M-Net’s decision in the selection of the interns for the 2019 MiM Academy is final.
• M-Net shall not be responsible for any electronic system failure that results in any particular entry not being received for consideration.
• M-Net is not liable for the costs any applicant incurs during the process of their electronic application (example: airtime usage or payment at Wi-Fi café)
• Applicants are responsible for ensuring that all information which they include in their submission is valid and true.
• M-Net has the right to expand, limit, downscale and/or terminate the Magic in Motion  Academy at its discretion.
• Entry is limited to citizens of South Africa who meet the stated entry criteria.
• 2018 MiM Academy interns are prohibited from being selected again.
• There is no guarantee of employment at the end of the internship.
• Internships are only available in Gauteng, South Africa and to South African citizens.
• M-Net reserves the right to terminate any internship at any time.

Value of Program: 

• The Magic in Motion Academy interns will receive hands-on training in producing, directing, cinematography, production commissioning, concept creation, script writing, sound, art direction, editing, post-production and more. The course has been designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation in order to produce highly employable professionals.
• Upon completion of the 12-month curriculum, M-Net will choose three exceptional interns to produce their own films with funding from M-Net and like years past, some of these movies could find their way onto a small screen near you.

Method of Application: 

• Applicants must apply directly to M-Net before 21 January 2019 should they wish to participate in the Magic in Motion Academy.
• To apply for this once in a lifetime opportunity, go to the Program Webpage (see link below)

Visit Program Webpage for details
Scholarship Application Deadline: 21st January, 2019
Award Provider: Multichoice

Latest DBSA Internship Program for Graduate South African Students, 2019

DBSA Internship Program for Graduate South African Students, 2019

Do you have a BCom/relevant degree in Internal Auditing? Do you see yourself working in Internal Auditing? The Development Bank of South Africa is looking for an Intern like you!
Course Level: Internship
Eligible Countries: South Africa
To be taken at (country): Gauteng, South Africa
Eligibility Criteria: Applicants must want to make Internal Audit a career and must have at least a BCom degree.
Value of Award: Paid
Duration of Programme: 2 years
Method of Application: 

• Apply in Link below

Visit Programme Webpage for Details
Scholarship Application Deadline: 14th December 2018

Latest 2019 ETH Zurich Summer Research Fellowships in Computer Science

2019 ETH Zurich Summer Research Fellowships in Computer Science

The Computer Science Department at ETH offers a new and interesting program that allows undergraduate and graduate students to obtain research experience in our department during the summer months.
Course Level: Research, Fellowship
Eligible Countries: International
To be taken at (country): Switzerland
Eligibility Criteria: You are eligible for the Student Summer Research Fellowship program if you satisfy the following:

• You are enrolled in a study program (Bachelor or Master) in computer science or a closely related field (e.g., electrical engineering, mathematics, physics)
• Your expected graduation date in your current study program (Bachelor or Master) is January 2020 or later.
• You have 2 years of study completed by summer 2019 (Master students naturally satisfy this condition).
• The duration of the fellowship is fixed to the full two months of July and August. You can be present during the entire time.

Value of Award: The amount provided covers housing- and living costs. Travel and visa expenses will be covered as well. Students can claim the travel costs against receipts at the beginning of the program.
Duration of Programme: The program will take place from 1 July to 31 August 2019.
Method of Application: 

• Follow the instructions in the How to Apply Page to apply.

Visit Programme Webpage for Details
Scholarship Application Deadline: 31st December 2018 at 12 noon (Central European Time).

Latest VISTA MSc Scholarships At York University in Canada 2019

VISTA MSc Scholarships At York University in Canada 2019

The York University – Canada invites applications from International students who are looking at acquiring scholarship opportunities to undergo a degree program at the Institution.
This scholarship program is designed to provide financial support to high-caliber scholars doing research that is aligned with the VISTA program under the supervision of a VISTA Core or Associate Member. 

Eligible Countries: International
Course Level: Masters
Eligible Field Of Study: Psychology, Kinesiology & Health Science, Electrical Engineering & Computer Science, Biology, Physics & Astronomy, Mathematics & Statistics, Philosophy, Science & Technology Studies, Digital Media, Film, and Visual Arts.
Value Of Scholarships: $10,000.
Eligibility Criteria: 

• Applicants must Have applied, or be in the process of applying for full-time admission to an eligible graduate program at the Masters level at York University. You must be accepted as a new Masters student in the program to hold the scholarship
• Applicants must be fluent in English Language
• Applicants must have completed their Bachelors degree program

Method of Application: To create an application, please complete:

• VISTA Application form
• Voluntary self-identification survey
• One-page summary of proposed research plus signature page
• Undergraduate transcripts
• Curriculum Vitae
• Referee Form
• If an out of cycle application is approved, primary supervisors must submit a letter of support as a supplement to the candidate’s application package.
• Primary supervisors may request an out-of-cycle application for outstanding candidates in exceptional cases. A request to apply out of cycle must be submitted by the primary supervisor to the Training Committee by sending an email to applyvista@yorku.ca.
• To view instructions, select Instructions
• Use the application checklist to ensure your package is complete
• Email the application to applyvista@yorku.ca

Visit The Scholarship Webpage For More Information
Scholarship Application Deadline: January 31, 2019

Massive Entry Level Recruitment 2019 at United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA)

United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) Entry Level Recruitment 2019

United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA) is one of Africa's leading financial institutions, with operations in 19 African countries and 3 global financial centres: London, Paris and New York. From a single country organisation founded in 1949 in Nigeria, UBA has grown to become a Pan-African provider of financial services with over 11 million customers, through close to 1000 business offices and touch points globally.

Applications are invited for:

Job Position: Entry Level Recruitment
Reference #: BTOPLAG001
Job Location: Nigeria
Contract Type: Permanent
Job Functions: Banking
Industries: Banking / Finance & Investment

Specification

• Have you completed your OND qualification and below 27 years?
• Are you looking to start a career with the best financial institution to work in Nigeria?
• If yes, we are on the hunt for customer oriented, detailed, result driven and technology savvy young minds who are dynamic and passionate about learning from field experts, to be part of the UBA tribe.
• There is a space for you in the UBA Tribe, Join us now!!

Requirements
Educational Qualification:

• Minimum Educational level - OND. in any related discipline.

Competences:

• Excellent customer service orientation
• High level of integrity
• Good verbal & written communication skills
• Selling skills
• Focused, Motivated & Results Oriented
• Paying attention to details
• Good interpersonal skills
• Fast and error-free processing
• Strong problem resolution skills
• Selling & Marketing Skills.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY