In a major win for African innovation, Nigerian drone technology company Terra Industries has secured a $1.2 million contract to provide surveillance for two hydropower facilities—beating out a competing bid from an Israeli consortium.
The startup, previously known as TerraHaptix, will deploy 12 surveillance drones and over 35 security towers in collaboration with a local security company. These installations aim to bolster safety around the hydropower plants, which have reportedly become strategic targets for criminal activity, including banditry and terrorism. Details on the specific locations of the plants remain undisclosed.
According to Nathan Nwachuku, the 22-year-old CEO of Terra Industries, the first drones are scheduled for rollout in the coming weeks. “These areas have unfortunately become hideouts for criminal groups. This technology gives us a proactive way to monitor and respond,” he said.
The contract signals a growing confidence in African-made drone solutions, as drone technology becomes more integral to sectors such as energy, agriculture, mining, and security across the continent.
Founded in Abuja, Terra Industries launched its drone production line in April 2024. Since then, the company has generated over $1 million in revenue through contracts with clients in Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya—serving industries ranging from oil and gas to farming.
Nwachuku highlighted that the power sector has recently emerged as their most rapidly expanding market. “We’re seeing increased demand for aerial surveillance and data gathering in energy infrastructure. It’s an area we’re excited to lead in,” he added.
As drone adoption accelerates across Africa, Terra’s success illustrates the potential of local tech innovators to not only compete globally but to lead critical infrastructure projects at home.
