Nathan Nwachuku: The 22-Year-Old Building Africa’s Next Defence Giant | issue 145

NATHAN NWACHUKU: THE 22-YEAR-OLD BUILDING AFRICA’S NEXT DEFENCE GIANT

Terra Industries has raised $52 million to manufacture autonomous security systems in Africa. Now Nwachuku is betting that the startup can become a serious global defence company.

At just 22, Nathan Nwachuku is pursuing an ambition that extends far beyond building another African technology startup. Through Terra Industries, he is entering the defence and security industry with a focus on autonomous systems designed and manufactured in Africa.

The company’s $52 million raise gives the young founder significant capital to pursue that ambition. But turning funding into a globally competitive defence business will require more than technology. Manufacturing capacity, research and development, government relationships, international markets and the ability to operate in one of the world’s most demanding industries will all shape what comes next.

THE NEXT DEFENCE GIANT