Mr. Nathan Nwachuku

Terra Industries is emerging as one of Africa’s most ambitious indigenous defence technology companies, pioneering a new era of African innovation through advanced autonomous systems, cutting-edge drone technology and a bold commitment to technological sovereignty.

Founded in 2024 by Chief Executive Officer Nathan Nwachuku and co-founder Maxwell Maduka, Terra Industries represents a remarkable example of a new generation of African entrepreneurs building sophisticated technology on the continent for challenges that matter to Africa and the wider world.

The company is developing advanced autonomous technologies designed to support the protection of critical infrastructure and strengthen national security, positioning Africa not merely as a consumer of defence technology but increasingly as a creator, manufacturer and exporter of sophisticated technological solutions.

Terra Industries has demonstrated remarkable momentum since its establishment. The company has raised approximately $52 million in seed funding through multiple rounds in 2026, attracting backing from prominent international investors including 8VC, Silent Ventures, Nova Global, Belief Capital, SV Angel and Norleo Space Investments. The scale of this investment reflects growing global confidence in the potential of African-built defence technology.

At the heart of Terra’s expansion is its manufacturing ambition. The company operates Pax-1, its 15,000-square-foot flagship drone manufacturing facility in Abuja, positioning it among the continent’s largest drone production facilities. It is also developing Pax-2, a 34,000-square-foot facility in Ghana scheduled to open in Q4 2026, with the ambition of becoming the largest drone factory on the African continent.

Terra has further established a presence in London, creating an international base that will connect the company to global technology, investment and defence ecosystems while strengthening Africa’s participation in international conversations around emerging security technologies.

Looking ahead, Terra Industries has set an ambitious target of producing 50,000 drone units annually by 2028 — a scale that could significantly expand Africa’s indigenous capacity in autonomous technology and advanced manufacturing.

Beyond the numbers, Terra’s significance lies in the message it sends to a new generation of African innovators: that globally competitive technology companies can be conceived, built and scaled from Africa.

Through its combination of youth-led entrepreneurship, indigenous manufacturing, advanced technology and international ambition, Terra Industries is helping to redefine Africa’s place in the global defence technology landscape.

For pioneering indigenous defence technology, advancing Africa’s technological sovereignty and demonstrating the extraordinary possibilities of youth-led innovation on the continent, The Daily Times of Nigeria honours Terra Industries as a DTN@100 Changemaker.