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Terra Industries, a rapidly growing defence technology startup operating in Africa, has announced a significant partnership with Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON). The agreement, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding, establishes a joint venture company that will be co-owned and operated by both entities. This collaboration is designed to enhance Nigeria’s domestic capabilities in defence technology, focusing on local manufacturing, research, and development.
The core objective of the new Joint Venture Company (JVC) is to shift Nigeria away from its heavy reliance on foreign military imports. By setting up local production and assembly lines, the venture will manufacture advanced systems such as drones, robots, and cybersecurity solutions within the country. This move is intended to build a self-sustaining high-tech manufacturing base and reduce the need for expensive foreign systems from nations like China, the US, and Europe.
The agreement outlines several key operational goals for the partnership. A primary focus is on establishing robust production lines for advanced defence systems, coupled with comprehensive technology transfer programs. These programs are designed to equip local engineers and technicians with the skills needed for advanced hardware and software manufacturing, fostering a new generation of expertise in Nigeria.
Placing Strong Emphasis on Human Capital Development
Beyond manufacturing, the joint venture will place a strong emphasis on human capital development through specialised training programs. These initiatives will enhance the skills of personnel from both DICON and Terra in critical areas such as robotics, drone operation, cybersecurity, and automated platforms. Furthermore, the partnership aims to boost domestic sourcing, thereby strengthening local supply chains and decreasing dependency on imported components.
Leaders from both organisations have expressed strong support for the initiative. Maj. Gen. B.I. Alaya, the Director General of DICON, hailed the collaboration as a transformative step that will fortify Nigeria’s defence industrial base and position the country as a regional hub for advanced innovation. Nathan Nwachuku, CEO of Terra Industries, echoed this sentiment, stating that the deal validates the capability of local engineering talent and lays the groundwork for sustainable technological growth and future export competitiveness.
Terra Industries’ Solutions Are Highly Effective and Provide Real-world Utility
The effectiveness of Terra’s solutions is already demonstrated by their deployment in the field. The company’s technology currently protects assets valued at approximately $11 billion across several African countries, securing critical infrastructure such as power plants and mining operations. This commercial success is backed by its first federal contract, alongside numerous deals with private sector clients.
Image source: Semafor.com
The startup’s rapid growth and promising business model have attracted significant attention from global investors. In January 2026, Terra Industries successfully closed its first major funding round, raising $11.75 million in a round led by the prominent US venture firm 8VC. This initial investment was supported by other firms, including Valour Equity Partners and Lux Capital.
The strong investor appetite for Terra’s vision was confirmed almost immediately after the first round closed. The company quickly secured an additional $22 million in funding, led by Lux Capital and including participation from previous backers. This rapid extension brought Terra’s total fundraising to $34 million in a very short period, signalling robust market confidence and early validation of its business strategy.
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Terra’s Valuation, Unprecedented in Africa
According to analysts, this significant injection of capital places Terra Industries in a nine-figure valuation range. Such a valuation is highly unusual for a young African technology startup, particularly one operating in the defence sector, which has traditionally been dominated by established corporations from the United States, Europe, and China. It underscores a growing global investor interest in African innovation.
The joint venture between Terra Industries and DICON aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s broader national ambitions. It supports the government’s goals of economic diversification, local content development, and retaining high-value jobs within the country. By producing crucial security technologies locally, Nigeria is taking a decisive step toward reducing its strategic dependency on foreign suppliers and building a more self-reliant and secure future.
About Terra Industries
Terra Industries is a young but prominent player in the African defence sector, founded in 2024 by Nigerian entrepreneurs Nathan Nwachuku and Maxwell Maduka. The company specialises in designing and manufacturing autonomous systems tailored to the specific security challenges faced across the continent. Its portfolio includes long and mid-range drones for surveillance, autonomous sentry towers for perimeter security, unmanned ground vehicles, and maritime patrol systems.
All of Terra’s hardware solutions are integrated and managed through a proprietary software platform named ArtemisOS. This sophisticated operating system enables real-time threat detection and coordinates responses across different unmanned units, creating a unified and intelligent security network. This integration of hardware and software is a key differentiator for the company in the defence tech market.
