A Nigerian aerospace and robotics startup has launched what it describes as Africa’s largest artificial-intelligence-powered drone production facility, marking a significant milestone in the continent’s expanding defence and advanced manufacturing sectors.
The facility, operated by Terra Industries (formerly Terrahaptix), is located in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, and is designed for large-scale production of autonomous drones for surveillance, infrastructure monitoring, and industrial security applications.
The company says the plant has the capacity to manufacture up to 30,000 drones annually, positioning it as a major production hub for locally built unmanned aerial systems in Africa.
In a statement announcing the launch, the company said: “This facility represents a major step forward in Africa’s ability to design, build, and deploy advanced autonomous systems at scale.”
It added that integrating artificial intelligence into its drone systems enables real-time object detection, automated threat analysis, and coordinated monitoring of critical infrastructure, such as oil installations, power facilities, and mining operations.
The startup also stated that its technology is intended to reduce reliance on imported surveillance systems, noting: “Our goal is to build sovereign capability in autonomous aerial intelligence and security infrastructure across Africa.”
Industry observers say the development reflects growing investment in defence-tech innovation on the continent, particularly in AI-enabled hardware manufacturing and dual-use security technologies.
The company further noted that it has begun limited international deployments and plans to expand distribution to additional African markets as demand for autonomous surveillance systems increases.
The launch positions Nigeria as an emerging hub in Africa’s drone manufacturing network, with analysts describing the facility as part of a broader shift toward indigenous development of advanced aerospace technologies within the continent.
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