Can Nigeria’s drone industry deliver Africa’s defence sovereignty

A new generation of African defence technology entrepreneurs is challenging the continent's historical dependence on foreign military suppliers. Terra Industries, established by Nathan Nwachuku and Maxwell Maduka in Nigeria's capital, represents a shift toward indigenous production of critical security systems.

Unlike competitors that primarily assemble imported components, Terra develops its own software, airframes, propellers, and battery systems domestically. The company currently deploys its surveillance and autonomous systems across multiple African nations and Canada, protecting strategic assets including power facilities, mining operations, and oil refineries valued at approximately $11 billion.

The company's expansion reflects growing African interest in reducing reliance on Turkish, Chinese, and Russian defence imports. Terra's systems address diverse regional security challenges, from maritime piracy in the Gulf of Guinea to border monitoring and infrastructure protection. According to chief executive Nwachuku, coastal West African states prioritize maritime surveillance due to piracy and illegal fishing, while nations facing insurgency seek persistent aerial surveillance capabilities.

Terra's ambitions extend beyond Africa. The company is establishing a second production facility in Ghana designed to become the continent's largest drone manufacturing hub, with planned capacity to produce 50,000 units annually by 2028. Leadership has indicated intentions to serve governments across South Asia and South America facing similar foreign supplier dependencies and security threats.