Empowering Africa’s Defense: Terra Industries Secures $11.75M to Revolutionize Security
In the rapidly evolving landscape of Africa’s industrialization, a significant challenge looms large: the persistent threat of terrorism and insecurity. Recognizing this critical issue, two young innovators, Nathan Nwachuku, 22, and Maxwell Maduka, 24, have embarked on a mission to transform the continent’s defense capabilities. Their venture, Terra Industries, aims to return control of Africa’s security to its own people through cutting-edge autonomous defense systems.
The Genesis of Terra Industries
Nathan Nwachuku, after dedicating five years to building an educational technology company, observed Africa’s trajectory towards rapid industrial growth. He noted the continent’s abundant resources, burgeoning opportunities, and a youthful, driven population poised on the brink of an industrial revolution. However, he also identified a significant impediment: the escalating issues of terrorism and insecurity. Africa, unfortunately, records more terror-related fatalities than any other region globally, a factor that threatens to derail its progress.
Determined to address this pressing concern, Nwachuku partnered with his friend, Maxwell Maduka, to establish Terra Industries. This defense company is dedicated to designing infrastructure and autonomous systems that enable governments and organizations to effectively monitor and respond to threats. On January 12, 2026, Terra Industries emerged from stealth mode, announcing a successful $11.75 million funding round led by Joe Lonsdale’s 8VC.
Strategic Funding and Support
The funding round attracted a diverse group of investors, including Valor Equity Partners, Lux Capital, SV Angel, and Nova Global. Prior to this, Terra Industries had secured an $800,000 pre-seed round. Nwachuku highlighted that the company’s appearance on CNN garnered significant interest from additional investors. Notably, African investors such as Tofino Capital, Kaleo Ventures, and DFS Lab have also backed the company, underscoring a strong regional commitment to enhancing Africa’s defense capabilities.
Building Africa’s First Defense Prime
Terra Industries is on a mission to establish Africa’s first defense prime contractor, focusing on the development of autonomous defense systems and other technologies to safeguard critical infrastructure and resources from armed attacks. Nwachuku serves as the company’s CEO, while Maduka holds the position of Chief Technology Officer.
The team boasts substantial military experience, with 40% of its engineers having served in similar roles within the Nigerian military. Alex Moore of 8VC, known for his expertise in defense investments, sits on the board, and Nigeria’s Vice Air Marshal Ayo Jolasinmi acts as an advisor. Maduka’s background includes service as an engineer in the Nigerian Navy and founding a drone company at the age of 19, bringing valuable experience to Terra Industries.
Comprehensive Defense Solutions
Based in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, Terra Industries adopts a multi-domain approach to product development, aiming to protect critical infrastructure across air, land, and sea. In the aerial domain, the company produces both long-range and short-range drones. For ground-based security, it offers surveillance towers and ground drones. Additionally, Terra Industries is actively developing maritime technology to safeguard offshore rigs and underwater pipelines, addressing the unique challenges of protecting maritime assets.
Innovative Software Integration
Central to Terra Industries’ technology is its proprietary software, ArtemisOS. This platform collects, analyzes, and synthesizes data in real-time, enabling the identification of threats and alerting response forces, such as security agencies, to intercept potential dangers promptly. Nwachuku emphasized the company’s ambition to geofence all of Africa’s critical infrastructure and resources, addressing the continent’s reliance on foreign intelligence from Western powers, China, and Russia. By developing indigenous intelligence capabilities, Terra Industries aims to empower Africa to take control of its own defense.
Early Success and Future Plans
Terra Industries recently secured its first federal contract, though specific details remain confidential. The company’s revenue model involves governments and commercial clients purchasing Terra systems and paying an annual fee for data processing and storage. To date, Terra Industries has generated over $2.5 million in commercial revenue and is responsible for protecting assets valued at approximately $11 billion.
The company’s commercial clientele includes private infrastructure entities such as gold mines and power plants. Currently, Terra Industries is safeguarding at least two hydroelectric power plants and several smaller mines, with the majority of its clients based in Nigeria.
With the infusion of new capital, Terra Industries plans to expand its operations by building additional defense factories across Africa. The company also aims to enhance its software capabilities and grow its artificial intelligence team. While software offices are slated to open in San Francisco and London, manufacturing will remain in Africa, with plans to establish more factories across the continent to stimulate job creation and bolster local economies.
A Vision for Africa’s Future
Nwachuku articulated a clear vision for Africa’s future, emphasizing the continent’s current struggle for survival. He asserted that the only way to break free from the constraints that have hindered progress over the past decades is to ensure the comprehensive protection of Africa’s core resources and infrastructure. Through Terra Industries, Nwachuku and Maduka are striving to place Africa’s defense firmly in the hands of Africans, fostering a future where the continent can thrive securely and independently.
