When most people think of tech startups in Nigeria, their minds go straight to fintech, e-commerce, or maybe logistics. Defence tech, however, is not something you see or hear about often in the startup ecosystem.
It’s not mainstream, and not even on the radar of the average tech enthusiast or a prospective founder
However, in a country struggling with security challenges from terrorism and banditry to oil theft and cybercrime, a handful of quietly ambitious startups are stepping up; they’re building tools designed to support national and private security efforts.
Whether it’s local manufacturing of military-grade drones, AI-powered surveillance systems, or secure communication platforms, defence tech in Nigeria is a thing, however small.
In this article, we look at three Nigerian defence tech startups daring to build in a space few are watching—and what they have accomplished so far.
Why Nigeria has few defence tech startups
The reason for the few defence tech startups in Nigeria is not far-fetched. Building a defence tech startup, which often involves hardware and deep tech, requires a large amount of funding and expertise that isn’t readily available in an emerging economy like Nigeria.
Unlike software startups that can pivot and scale fast, defence tech companies need years of iteration, specialised talent, and real-world testing. These things are a luxury for most startups.
Interestingly, it is also difficult even for the Nigerian military to build these things. At the 2023 Annual Public Lecture of the NSE, Lucky Irabor, Nigeria’s former Chief of Defence Staff, said the country lacked the ability to produce military equipment.
He attributed this to inadequate investment in research and development (R&D) and a lack of technological capability. Irabor emphasises that without significant advancements in R&D and engineering, Nigeria will continue to rely heavily on foreign countries for arms and military materials, thereby constraining the growth of indigenous defence tech initiatives.
Infrastructure deficits also play a critical role. Sheriff Oladejo, Managing Director of IT firm TechEnd, also pointed out that inadequate infrastructure, limited access to reliable electricity, and regulatory hurdles are major challenges against the full deployment of digital technology and innovation in Nigeria.
These issues are particularly detrimental to defence tech startups, which rely on stable infrastructure for research, development, and deployment of their technologies.
Despite these challenges, some startups have managed to stay afloat, innovating, building products that might put Nigeria on the map as a defence tech stronghold in the world.
Here are some of the startups.
Kifta Technologies
Founded in 2018 by Monsuru Anifowoshe, Kifta Technologies emerged from a personal challenge in the textile business—frequent disruptions in supply chains due to security issues. This led to the development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to monitor goods in transit.
Kifta has since expanded its offerings to include smart glasses equipped with facial and license plate recognition, as well as various UAV systems tailored for firefighting, naval operations, and border security. Their UAV prototype reportedly cost $450,000 and took three years to develop.
Despite these innovations, Kifta faces challenges in Nigeria, such as limited access to decision-makers in government agencies and infrastructure issues like unreliable power supply. Consequently, the company primarily serves clients outside Nigeria and plans to establish a manufacturing facility within the country to qualify its products as Nigerian-made.
Proforce Defence Limited
While Proforce Defence Limited may not qualify as a startup in the traditional sense — especially under the Nigerian Startup Act, which defines a startup as a company less than 10 years old — it’s impossible to discuss defence innovation in Nigeria without mentioning its name.
Founded in 2008 and regarded as Nigeria’s first defence manufacturing company, Proforce is particularly known for armoured vehicle manufacturing. The company builds everything from bulletproof personnel carriers and tactical vehicles to combat helmets and ballistic vests.
What sets them apart is that they are not just assembling kits; they are designing, engineering, and producing in Nigeria for both local and international markets.
Proforce has supplied vehicles to the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, and even governments across West Africa. Their vehicles are also being used for convoy protection by private security firms and oil companies operating in volatile regions.
Despite being a more mature player, Proforce’s presence is a testament to what’s possible when defence tech is taken seriously in Nigeria, especially when backed by deep technical capacity, government contracts, and a long-term view of manufacturing.
Terrahaptix
Founded in 2023 by Nigerian entrepreneurs Maxwell Maduka and Nathan Nwachuku, TerraHaptix began with a bold vision to put Africa on the map when it comes to hardware technology.
Drawing from Maduka’s experience as a lead drone engineer in the Nigerian Navy and Nwachuku’s background in tech entrepreneurship, the duo aimed to address the continent’s pressing security challenges with innovative solutions.
However, TerraHaptix is more focused on the commercial market than being a defence startup. This decision was influenced by ethical considerations and the desire to avoid the complexities associated with military engagements, Co-founder Nwachuku stated in an interview with Techpoint Africa last year.
Today, TerraHaptix stands as a leading player in Africa’s commercial drone industry. Operating from a 15,000-square-foot facility in Abuja’s Idu.
With over $2 million in orders within its first year and exports to five African countries, TerraHaptix exemplifies how Nigerian startups can overcome challenges and make significant strides in the global tech arena.
In developed countries, defence tech startups have done well due to substantial government support, robust funding. In the US, for example, venture capital investment in defence technology surged by 33% in 2024, reaching $31 billion.
Similarly, European defence tech startups have seen a significant increase in funding, with investments growing over 500% between 2021 and 2024 compared to the previous three years.
Although Nigeria lacks the necessary government support and VC backing, companies like Kifta Technologies and Proforce are making strides, developing indigenous solutions.
With these companies doing so much with so little, perhaps governments and VCs will be keen on providing the support and money needed to bolster them.
Companies with innovative products like this will be at the Lagos Startup Expo (LSE), showcasing the stuff they’re made of. Click here to be a part of it.
