TerraHaptix, Africa’s leading drone manufacturer, announced plans to export its high-performance drones, made in Nigeria, to the United States and Europe by late 2024. This marks the first instance of African-manufactured drones entering these international markets.
Co-founded in Abuja by 21-year-olds Nathan Nwachukwu and Maxwell Maduka, TerraHaptix is the continent’s sole drone producer. Its Archer drones are already being exported to Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Congo, with over 300 units sold since launch.
Speaking at the Terra Expo 2024 in Port Harcourt, Nwachukwu, the company’s chairman, emphasized the importance of developing indigenous technologies to address security challenges and reduce reliance on foreign-made drones, which he criticized for lacking after-sales support and compromising national security.
TerraHaptix produces 7,000 drones annually, using mostly locally sourced materials, and aims to double this by 2025. The company’s drones are used in surveillance for critical sectors like oil, mining, and agriculture. Nwachukwu highlighted Africa’s $40 billion drone market as the fastest-growing globally, urging increased investment to harness the continent’s potential.
The company aims to inspire industrial innovation in Nigeria and Africa, addressing security challenges and boosting industrialization.