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Democratic Republic Of Congo Embarks On Meta Collaboration
The recent visit by DRC cyberdefense experts laid the framework for the Facebook parent company to provide training in security and technology.
In an increasingly connected world, cyberdefense has become a major concern for governments worldwide. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is no exception to this new reality, and to combat the ongoing threat, the country has created a brand new National Cyber Defense Council (CNC).
Recently, A team from the CNC paid a high-profile visit to Facebook’s parent company, Meta, for a pivotal meeting that laid the groundwork for a collaborative partnership. During the visit, a diverse array of topics were discussed, ranging from cyberdefense challenges to the need to enhance the technological capabilities of the DRC.
One of the major outcomes of the visit was an agreement to establish a framework where Meta will provide specialized training in security and technology to enhance the skills of agents in the DRC.
The initiative underscores Meta’s commitment to boosting digital literacy in the region but also represents a major step towards empowering individuals and institutions in the Democratic Republic of Congo to effectively navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape.
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In addition to a proposed training program, the visit facilitated an introduction to Rapidev, a group of companies specializing in electronic warfare, cyberdefense and anti-drone systems. Leveraging Rapidev’s expertise in security applications, combined with Meta’s online prowess, will enable the DRC to create innovative solutions to the country’s unique security challenges.
According to CNC head Jean-Claude Bukasa, the visit to Meta was not only successful but represented more than just a diplomatic exchange: “It symbolizes a shared commitment to leveraging technology for the betterment of society. As we embark on this collaborative journey, let us seize the opportunities that lie ahead and work towards a future where innovation, security, and prosperity go hand in hand”.
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AltoVolo Opens Orders For Limited Edition Sigma eVTOLs
Early buyers can now reserve build slots for AltoVolo’s 500-mile hybrid aircraft through a new online configurator.
AltoVolo has started taking pre-orders for its first electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, the Sigma, moving the startup closer to commercial rollout. Customers can now secure a build slot with a £860 deposit and customize every detail online — from paintwork to seatbelt stitching. It’s the first configurator of its kind for a civilian eVTOL, mirroring how luxury car brands let clients tailor performance models before production.
The Sigma runs on a hybrid-electric tilting jet system built for long range and low noise. It can travel up to 500 miles at a 220-mph cruise, and is over 80% quieter than a helicopter. The three-seater weighs just 980kg and can maintain stable flight even if one jet fails. Safety systems include triple-redundant controls, thrust-vectoring stability and a ballistic parachute.
“We will be delivering an ultra-refined hybrid electric aircraft,” said founder and CEO Will Wood. “We believe there are thousands of customers for this type of cutting-edge technology”.
The first 100 units will come with exclusive materials and finishes. AltoVolo is also setting up a global service and maintenance network, with early planning for overhaul schedules already underway. The company’s focus on ownership experience echoes its ambition to anchor itself alongside established aviation brands rather than pure tech ventures.
To help new owners train, the company has built a full-scale simulator that replicates the Sigma cockpit in carbon fiber and leather. Pilots can log time toward a license using the system, aligned with the new US MOSAIC rules that ease certification for powered-lift aircraft. Certification work in Europe and the UK continues in parallel, signaling growing international alignment around light sport and eVTOL regulation.
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Noise inside the cabin has become another design focus. Engineers are refining internal vibration levels and developing a responsive soundscape that shifts with each jet’s power load — part feedback, part theatre.
Urban air mobility projects across the Gulf and elsewhere are pushing regulators and manufacturers to meet in the middle. Dubai, Riyadh and Doha have each outlined plans for air taxi corridors this decade. AltoVolo’s hybrid Sigma, sitting between electric promise and aviation realism, looks built for that middle ground.
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