Terra Industries: Pioneering Drone Security Solutions in Africa

In response to increasing threats to critical infrastructure across Africa, Terra Industries, a robotics and manufacturing startup based in Abuja, Nigeria, is developing autonomous security systems powered by artificial intelligence and drones. This initiative aims to enhance the protection of vital sectors such as energy, mining, telecommunications, and agriculture.

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Africa has faced numerous disruptions to its infrastructure due to insurgent militant groups and civil unrest. For instance, in 2025, fighting in Sudan's civil war resulted in a significant fire at the country's largest oil refinery, while attacks on oil pipelines in Nigeria have hindered the nation's production capabilities. These incidents not only threaten local economies but also deter foreign investments crucial for infrastructure development.

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Terra Industries, co-founded by Nwachuku, has emerged as a leader in this sector. The company launched Africa's largest drone factory in February 2025, with a capacity to produce 30,000 drones annually. Nwachuku emphasizes the importance of addressing insecurity as a prerequisite for industrializing Africa, stating, "we must solve the common denominator, which is insecurity."

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The company's flagship product, the AI-powered software ArtemisOS, plays a critical role in its drone operations. This software collects and analyzes surveillance data in real-time, alerting response teams to potential threats. Terra Industries manufactures most of its components in-house, including airframes and lithium-ion battery packs, which enhances data security and reduces costs for clients by up to 55% compared to international competitors.

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Terra Industries has secured contracts worth $1.2 million with private security firms, deploying AI-powered drones at hydroelectric power plants in Nigeria. The company currently protects assets valued at approximately $11 billion across eight African countries and Canada. Nwachuku notes that despite raising less than $600,000 in funding, Terra Industries has achieved $1.9 million in revenue, demonstrating significant growth potential.

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While Terra Industries currently faces limited local competition, Oluwole Ojewale from the Institute for Security Studies anticipates a future increase in similar businesses. He highlights the need for widespread protection of critical infrastructure across the continent, suggesting that the market for such security solutions will expand.

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Nwachuku asserts that maintaining data sovereignty is crucial for African businesses, stating, "We must keep the data within African hands." This approach not only supports local economies but also mitigates risks associated with global data leaks.

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As the demand for security solutions grows, Terra Industries is poised to expand its operations and product offerings. The anticipated proliferation of businesses in this market indicates a significant shift towards enhanced security measures for Africa's critical infrastructure.

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• “These are critical attacks carried out on strategic infrastructure which directly impact on economic development,” — Oluwole Ojewale, Regional Coordinator, Institute for Security Studies

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• “We have scaled with very little resources,” — Nwachuku, Co-founder and CEO, Terra Industries

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• “It helps (to provide) much safer data security,” — Nwachuku, Co-founder and CEO, Terra Industries

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• “The continent is wide; from Angola to Mozambique to Nigeria, all critical infrastructure will need to be protected.” — Oluwole Ojewale, Regional Coordinator, Institute for Security Studies

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