Prague to Gain Dozens of New Tech Jobs as Israeli Cybersecurity Firm Expands

Prague 1. Reputable touristic attraction in Central Europe. Photo Fly4studycm 

Tech Rise in Prague, Czech Republic's Capital.

Prague’s reputation as a rising technology hub just got another boost. Israeli cybersecurity giant Cato Networks has announced plans for a major expansion of its research and development operations in the Czech capital, backed by a new investment of over CZK 7 billion (approximately USD 320 million).

The Tel Aviv-based company, known for pioneering the Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) model that merges networking and security into a single cloud platform, aims to hire dozens of local engineers. The Prague R&D center will focus on developing advanced cloud-based security solutions and strengthening Cato’s position in the fast-evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Prague: A Strategic Innovation Hub

Cato Networks opened its Prague office in 2024 and sees the city as a key pillar of its European growth strategy. "We see Prague as a strategic hub for innovation and talent. It is perfectly positioned to support our rapid growth and plans," said Shlomo Kramer, Cato’s CEO and co-founder. "Our expansion here reflects the high-quality workforce and the city’s potential to influence the future of cybersecurity."

The company reported an annual recurring revenue of USD 250 million last year and serves more than 3,000 enterprise customers worldwide. With its Prague expansion, Cato joins a growing list of global tech firms investing in Central Europe to tap into the region’s skilled tech talent.

Stock Options for Local Employees

In a move that could set a new trend in the Czech tech market, Cato plans to offer stock options to its Prague-based employees—a benefit still relatively rare outside the startup scene in the Czech Republic. This perk, combined with Cato’s anticipated initial public offering (IPO), could bring significant financial rewards to local team members.

A Boon for Prague’s Tech Ecosystem

Industry analysts see this investment as another sign of Prague’s emergence as a key European technology hub. The city’s growing pool of tech talent and its strategic location in Central Europe continue to attract foreign direct investment from innovative companies worldwide.

With dozens of new tech jobs on the horizon, Cato’s expansion is great news for Prague’s economy—and a sign of the city’s bright future in the global cybersecurity space.

Book a stay/flight to Prague solely on expedia.com

Rooney Nshing
Fly4studycm

Top 5 English Proficiency Level Countries Increase in Africa in 2025

Global English Proficiency scale.

Africa Defies Global Decline in English Proficiency - Here’s How.

English is more widely understood today than it was 30 years ago, yet for millions, using it fluently in academic and professional settings remains a struggle. The result? Countless missed opportunities, miscommunication, and wasted time - costs that are hard to quantify but impossible to ignore.

The 2024 EF Education First English Proficiency Index, which draws on data from 2.1 million test takers worldwide, reveals some striking trends. For the fourth year in a row, global average English skills have declined - with 60% of countries scoring lower than they did in 2023.

But one region stands out from this worrying trend: Africa.

While not every African country improved, the continent as a whole made notable progress - especially among women. In fact, Africa remains the only continent where women consistently outperform men in English proficiency. Ethiopia leads the way with the world’s largest gender gap in favor of women - an impressive 58-point difference.

Why does this matter? Because national English proficiency strongly correlates with a wide range of development indicators, from income and education to innovation, competitiveness, and global engagement. Though the strength of these links may shift over time, they remain consistently significant - often more so than single metrics like GDP or average years of schooling.

Africa’s growing focus on English skills is paying off. Improved proficiency is unlocking opportunities, boosting employability, and helping countries connect more competitively with the global economy.

So, which African nations are leading the way? According to the 2025 index, here are the top five countries on the continent for English proficiency:

Rank	Country	Score	Global Ranking
1	South Africa	594	11th
2	Kenya	581	19th
3	Nigeria	557	30th
4	Ghana	534	41st
5	Uganda	518	54th

Africa’s performance is a clear reminder that investment in language skills can pay huge dividends. In a world where English remains the dominant global language of business, science, and technology, this upward trend offers hope - and a competitive edge - for millions across the continent.

Nshing Rooney 

A blogger by heart and a scientist by soul. 

Czech Republic Named One of the World’s Safest Countries for Summer Travel

Beautiful Namesti Miru neighborhood, Prague-Czech Republic (Summer 2025)

Why is Czech Republic Named One of the World’s Safest Countries for Summer Travel?

Travelers looking for peace of mind this summer might want to put Czechia at the top of their list. A new global ranking from insurance platform HelloSafe has named Czechia among the top ten safest countries in the world for tourists - beating out popular destinations like Italy and France.

What Makes Czechia So Safe?

HelloSafe’s ranking assessed 35 indicators across five key categories: crime rates, natural disaster risks, healthcare quality, threat of terrorism, and levels of militarization. The data comes from trusted international sources, including the United Nations, World Health Organization, Our World in Data, and the Global Peace Index.

Thanks to its low crime rate, excellent healthcare, and stable, peaceful society, Czechia ranks as the sixth-safest country in the world and fifth-safest in Europe. It’s a standout in Central Europe, outperforming neighboring countries like Hungary (9th), Slovakia (10th), Germany (14th), and Poland (23rd).

In Elite Company

Globally, only five countries ranked higher than Czechia: Iceland, Singapore, Denmark, Austria, and Switzerland. This places Czechia firmly among the safest destinations worldwide - and a leader for safe travel within its region.

Where to Be More Cautious

The report also highlighted places where tourists should exercise more caution. In Europe, Greece ranks as the third-most dangerous country for travelers, with only Russia and Ukraine deemed riskier. France follows closely as Europe’s fourth-least-safe destination, ahead of Italy, Spain, and Albania.
Further afield, Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela top the list of Latin America’s most dangerous countries for visitors this year, according to HelloSafe.

A Strong Track Record for Safety

Czechia’s reputation for safety isn’t new. In a separate 2025 safety index by insurance provider William Russell, the country placed just outside the global top ten, thanks to its effective policing, reliable public healthcare, and low poverty rates. Back in 2023, Prague was named the world’s third-safest city for travelers - and the safest city in Europe.

Book a stay in Prague on expedia.com 

Even after a tragic mass shooting in Prague impacted its rankings slightly, Czechia still held firm as one of the region’s safest destinations. In the 2024 Safety Index by Numbeo, Czechia was named the 12th safest country in Europe and remained second-safest in Central and Eastern Europe.

Bottom Line

If you’re dreaming of a summer getaway where you can feel safe while exploring historic cities, scenic countryside, and world-class culture, Czechia should be high on your list. With its welcoming atmosphere and proven safety record, it’s no wonder more travelers are discovering what makes this Central European gem so special.

Nshing Rooney

Fly4studycm 

Manchester United Pushed to Lay Down £65M Bryan Mbeumo Deal Ahead of US Tour

Bryan Mbeumo in action after scoring his 18th goal in the premier league. 

Manchester United are eager to finalize a deal for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo as soon as possible, with the club determined to avoid any delays that could disrupt pre-season preparations.

Mbeumo, who netted an impressive 20 Premier League goals for Brentford last season, has made no secret of his ambition to move to a bigger club and is understood to prefer a switch to Old Trafford.

United acted swiftly to secure Matheus Cunha early in the transfer window, thanks in part to a release clause that made negotiations straightforward. However, talks with Brentford over Mbeumo have proved more complicated, as there is no fixed buyout clause—meaning a fee must be agreed through traditional negotiations.

The Red Devils have already begun pre-season training, creating an awkward situation in the opening week when Marcus Rashford returned to Carrington despite being given extra time to find a new club. Rashford has also seen his shirt number handed to Cunha, adding to the uncertainty around his future.

According to Sky Sports, United are keen to complete the Mbeumo transfer before the squad departs for their U.S. tour later this month. The team will make a quick stop in Sweden before their first stateside match on July 26.

Mbeumo is reportedly growing frustrated with the lack of progress and is eager to avoid starting pre-season training back at Brentford while his move remains in limbo. Personal terms are believed to be agreed, and there is “cautious optimism” at United that a deal will be struck soon.

Brentford are demanding around £65 million ($88.3 million) for their star forward. The sticking point is not the total fee but rather how it’s paid—Brentford want most, if not all, of the amount up front, while United are pushing for a more staggered structure.

Should the deal go through, Mbeumo is expected to slot in as one of the two split No. 10s in new manager Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, operating alongside Cunha and just behind the central striker. Who will lead the line remains to be seen—United are still weighing up whether to stick with Rasmus Højlund or bring in a free agent, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Callum Wilson, and Jamie Vardy all linked as short-term options.

With the tour looming and Amorim keen to shape his squad quickly, United fans will be hoping the club can get this deal over the line in the coming days—giving Mbeumo the chance to hit the ground running in red.

Rooney Nshing