By 
Nigerian defence technology startup Terra Industries has raised $11.75 million in seed funding, marking one of the largest early-stage investment rounds for an African defence-focused company and a significant boost for locally developed security solutions on the continent.
Founded by Nigerian engineers Nathan Nwachuku and Maxwell Maduka, Terra Industries is headquartered in Abuja and focuses on designing and manufacturing drones and integrated surveillance systems tailored to Africa’s security and infrastructure protection needs. The company aims to reduce reliance on imported defence technologies by building and deploying systems locally.
The funding round was led by US venture capital firm 8VC, founded by Palantir co-founder Joe Lonsdale. As part of the investment, Palantir executive Alex Moore has joined Terra Industries’ board, bringing deep experience in defence and data-driven security systems.
Security challenges remain a major constraint on economic growth across Africa, with attacks on power infrastructure, mining assets and other critical facilities increasing costs and deterring investment. Terra Industries positions its technology as a practical response to these risks, offering homegrown tools designed for local operating environments.
The company says its systems are already protecting infrastructure assets valued at more than $11 billion across several African markets, working with both public sector institutions and private enterprises. Central to its operations is a 15,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in Abuja, described as the largest drone factory on the continent. The plant produces long-range and short-range drones, ground surveillance systems and monitoring towers.
Terra Industries also operates ArtemisOS, a software platform that integrates real-time data from aerial and ground systems to detect threats and trigger rapid alerts for response teams. The platform is designed to support faster decision-making and coordinated security operations.
The fundraising comes as the company secures its first federal government contract, details of which have not been disclosed. In addition, Terra generates recurring revenue from private sector clients through equipment sales and data services, with reported revenues exceeding $2.5 million to date.
With the new capital, Terra Industries plans to scale manufacturing capacity across Africa and expand its engineering teams, particularly in software and artificial intelligence. While the company intends to establish technology offices in San Francisco and London, manufacturing and core operations will remain based on the continent.
The investment aligns with growing policy and business interest in strengthening Africa’s capacity to secure critical infrastructure such as power grids, mines, oil and gas facilities, and transport networks. By building defence technology locally, Terra Industries aims to contribute to economic resilience, job creation and long-term security self-reliance.
As African governments and enterprises seek more control over their security architecture, Terra Industries’ latest funding round underscores rising investor confidence in Africa-built defence innovation.
Comments