Nigerian Defence-Tech Startup Terra Industries Secures $52M Seed Round to Scale AI-Powered Security Systems Across Africa

Terra Industries, a defence-technology startup based in Nigeria, has successfully closed Africa's largest seed funding round, raising an additional $18 million to bring its total to $52 million. This significant investment, with participation from new and existing investors, will fuel the company's expansion plans, including opening an international office in London, boosting manufacturing capacity, and accelerating product deployment throughout the Global South.

The startup, founded in 2024 by Nathan Nwachuku and Maxwell Maduka, specializes in autonomous security systems. These systems, which include various drones, sentry towers, and unmanned ground vehicles, are powered by Terra's proprietary ArtemisOS software. This platform enables real-time threat detection, autonomous mission planning, and coordinated responses, critical for protecting vital infrastructure.

Terra Industries has had a busy year, previously securing $11.75 million and $22 million in earlier rounds. The company is actively expanding its manufacturing footprint in Africa, with an existing 15,000-square-foot facility in Abuja, Nigeria, and a planned 34,000-square-foot factory in Ghana set to become the continent's largest drone manufacturing plant. This expansion underscores its commitment to producing systems locally for the environments they protect.

The company's technology is already deployed across several African countries, safeguarding critical national assets valued at approximately $11 billion. The new funding will not only enhance its operational capabilities but also position Terra to influence global defence decisions, while its African manufacturing base continues to grow. The London office aims to attract AI talent and access global markets, maintaining manufacturing in Africa.