Nigeria’s Terra Industries has secured USD 11.75 million in funding to scale its autonomous defence systems, marking a significant milestone in the country’s burgeoning tech sector. The investment round, led by U.S. venture firm 8VC, also saw participation from Lux Capital, Valor Equity Partners, SV Angel, and several strategic investors. This infusion of capital will enable Terra to expand its production capabilities, enhance engineering efforts, and deploy its innovative solutions across African markets.
Founded in 2024 by Nathan Nwachuku and Maxwell Maduka, Terra Industries specialises in developing and manufacturing autonomous drones, sentry towers, unmanned ground vehicles, and maritime surveillance systems. These systems are powered by the company’s proprietary ArtemisOS platform, which facilitates real-time threat detection and coordinated response in remote and high-risk environments.
“This funding is a testament to the critical need for advanced, locally built defence solutions in Africa,” said Nathan Nwachuku, co-founder of Terra Industries. “Our technology is already protecting infrastructure assets valued at over USD 11 billion, and this investment will allow us to scale our operations to meet growing demand.”
Terra’s systems are currently securing critical infrastructure, including power plants and mining operations in Nigeria and Ghana. The company’s solutions provide a robust alternative to foreign defence systems, offering local governments and operators enhanced security and operational efficiency.
The new capital will be used to expand manufacturing facilities in Abuja, invest in engineering growth, and accelerate deployment across additional African markets. This strategic move aligns with the continent’s increasing focus on developing indigenous defence technologies to address regional security challenges.
“Terra’s innovative approach to autonomous defence systems is exactly the kind of technology that can transform security landscapes,” said a representative from 8VC. “We are thrilled to support their vision and contribute to building a safer, more secure Africa.”
As governments and private operators across Africa seek reliable and locally developed defence solutions, Terra Industries is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of autonomous security systems on the continent. With this significant funding, the company is well-positioned to lead the charge in providing cutting-edge defence technology tailored to Africa’s unique needs.