News

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.

Published

2 years ago

February 28, 2024

Nour Nasir

democratic republic of congo embarks on meta collaboration

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.

drc cnc visit to meta with rapidev

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.

Also Read: Dubai-Based Angel Investor Fuels Growth For GameCentric

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”.

News

Lebanon Ministers Meet Visa Over National Digital Payment Platform

Finance and technology ministers say a comparative study and roadmap will follow before any decision on adopting a model.

Published

21 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Joanna Melki

lebanon ministers meet visa over national digital payment platform

Lebanon’s finance and technology ministers met representatives from Visa last week to discuss a proposed unified national digital payment platform for government services, according to a readout from the Ministry of Finance.

The meeting brought together Finance Minister Yassin Jaber, Minister of State for Technology and Artificial Intelligence Kamal Shehadeh, a Visa delegation, and experts from both ministries. Discussion focused on whether Lebanon could establish a single platform through which citizens and institutions would pay taxes, fees, fines and other official transactions electronically, using mobile phones and other digital channels.

The Visa delegation presented examples from countries that have adopted unified government payment platforms, including the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Estonia and Jordan. According to the readout, the examples were presented as having increased collection rates and expanded financial inclusion.

Talks covered settlement mechanisms, direct transfer to the treasury account, financial reconciliation, risk management, cybersecurity, fees, and an operational model that would involve the private sector. The parties agreed to continue technical and institutional consultations, prepare a comparative study, and develop an implementation roadmap before any decision on adopting a model for Lebanon.

Jaber said the Ministry of Finance had already enabled citizens to pay using credit cards and e-wallets through transfer companies, but described the proposed platform as a further step. He framed the development of electronic payment and collection systems as a priority within the ministry’s modernization plan.

Also Read: Deezer Says AI Tracks Now Make Up 44% Of Uploads

Shehadeh outlined the citizen-facing concept as a single mobile application through which users could settle obligations to ministries, government institutions and other bodies.

“The idea, in short, is that any citizen downloads an application on their mobile phone, through which they can pay all service obligations for all ministries, government institutions, or those owned by the Lebanese state, and others as well, as the platform is not limited only to state institutions,” he said.

Shehadeh added that the platform would not displace banks and money transfer companies that currently provide collection services to the state, calling it complementary to their work.