Nigerian Startup Bets Big on Drones

Watch on YouTube ↗  |  June 06, 2026 at 05:00  |  3:14  |  Bloomberg Markets
Speakers
Nathan Nwachuku — CEO, Terra Industries

Summary

This video profiles Terra Industries, a Nigerian startup developing drones and counter-drone systems for asymmetric warfare in Africa. Backed by $34 million from prominent investors, the company is scaling production and expanding to Ghana, aiming to produce tens of thousands of units. The video highlights the growing use of cheap, off-the-shelf drone technology by non-state armed groups in Africa and the resulting demand for affordable countermeasures.

  • Terra Industries is a Nigerian startup building drones and counter-drone systems.
  • The company has raised $34 million from investors including Palantir's Joe Lonsdale and Lux Capital.
  • It is opening a factory in Accra, Ghana, as a regional manufacturing hub.
  • Plans to scale from hundreds to 50,000 units within two years.
  • The Sahel and West Africa see increasing use of drones by terrorist groups.
  • Low-cost off-the-shelf components give non-state actors tactical advantages.
  • Terra Industries is targeting governments in Africa, Latin America, Saudi Arabia, and the Middle East.
  • The company plans to raise a larger funding round to support expansion.
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