Attacks on Africa’s critical infrastructure are increasing, from tin mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo to oil refineries in Sudan. Such disruptions hurt local economies and discourage foreign investment.
To tackle this, Nigerian startup Terra Industries is using AI-powered drones and autonomous systems to protect vital industries like energy, mining, telecoms, and agriculture. Founded in 2024 by Maxwell Maduka and Nathan Nwachuku, the company recently launched Africa’s largest drone factory near Abuja, capable of producing 30,000 drones a year.
Terra’s drones perform surveillance, detect threats, and alert response teams in real time. Its AI software, ArtemisOS, analyzes data from drones and sensors to monitor security continuously. The company manufactures most hardware in-house and partners with local cloud providers to keep data within Africa.
Terra has already exported drones to eight African countries and Canada, protecting assets worth an estimated $11 billion. In May, it secured a $1.2 million contract to safeguard Nigerian hydroelectric plants.
The startup’s mission goes beyond security—it aims to industrialize Africa by addressing insecurity. By building locally, Terra reduces costs and strengthens data safety, setting a model for other businesses across the continent.
