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Terra Industries Secures Additional $22M Extension to Scale Autonomous Security Systems Across Africa

By
Ojukwu Emmanuel
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0

Terra Industries, a Nigerian defense technology company building autonomous security systems to protect Africa’s critical infrastructure, has raised an additional $22 million in funding led by Lux Capital. The strategic extension builds on its previously announced $11.8 million round, bringing total funding in the round to $34 million.

The extension included participation from existing investors such as 8VC, Nova Global, Silent Ventures, Belief Capital, Tofino Capital and Resilience17 Capital, founded by Flutterwave CEO Olugbenga Agboola as well as angel investors including Jordan Nel and Jared Leto. The second funding round closed in under two weeks, reflecting strong investor confidence in Terra Industries’ role in safeguarding critical infrastructure and addressing insecurity and terrorism across Africa.

Earlier in January, Terra raised $11.75 million in a funding round led by 8VC to expand its autonomous systems and software designed to help African governments and businesses protect critical infrastructure from escalating security threats.

The company stated that the additional $22 million will fund expanded manufacturing capacity, accelerate deployments across Nigeria and allied African countries, and strengthen its engineering, software, and business development leadership teams across Africa, London, and San Francisco.

“We believe in a future where local defense technology prevails, because security is the prerequisite for all economic growth. That’s why Terra Industries is building the African defense prime that secures sovereignty and provides the necessary counterterrorism technology on the continent”, said Brandon Reeves, Partner at Lux Capital.

Africa is entering a decisive phase of industrialization, yet insecurity, illegal mining, sabotage, and terrorism continue to undermine investment and economic progress. The continent holds roughly 30 percent of the world’s critical mineral reserves and invests close to $100 billion annually in infrastructure, much of it located in remote or unstable regions where security capacity has not kept pace with development.

Across Sub-Saharan Africa and the Sahel, infrastructure sabotage, organized crime, and terrorism continue to disrupt supply chains, weaken investor confidence, and strain government capacity. As industrial activity accelerates, the gap between infrastructure growth and security continues to widen.

Founded in 2024 by Nathan Nwachuku and Maxwell Maduka, Terra Industries develops integrated land, air, and maritime security systems powered by ArtemisOS, its unified software platform for large-scale security operations. ArtemisOS combines data intelligence and autonomy to support infrastructure protection, while Artemis Cloud enables real-time surveillance data analysis and Artemis Autonomy provides command-and-control capabilities.

The company’s engineering team reflects its defense-oriented mission, with about 40 percent of its engineers previously serving in the Nigerian military. Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer Maxwell Maduka is a former Nigerian Navy engineer who founded a drone company at age 19. 8VC partner Alex Moore serves on Terra’s board, while Nigeria’s Vice Air Marshal Ayo Jolasinmi acts as an advisor.

Earlier this month, Terra Industries signed an agreement with AIC Steel, a Saudi industrial giant, to establish a joint manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia focused on infrastructure surveillance and security systems. The facility will produce autonomous aerial surveillance platforms, sensor systems, and supporting software designed to protect energy assets, transportation networks, and industrial facilities across Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.

The agreement marks Terra Industries’ first major manufacturing expansion outside Africa, reinforcing its strategic focus on infrastructure protection in emerging markets facing similar security challenges.

Outlook

With fresh capital and rapid investor backing, the company is positioned to accelerate deployments across high-risk infrastructure corridors in Nigeria and allied African markets. Expansion of manufacturing capacity and the rollout of ArtemisOS-powered systems could strengthen localized defense technology capabilities while reducing reliance on foreign security solutions.

Tekedia Unveils “Python Coding with AI for Agentic AI Development”; Register

By
Ndubuisi Ekekwe
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0

You asked for it and we’re happy to unveil a Python Coding program at Tekedia Institute. This program, Python Coding with AI for Agentic AI Development, is designed to deepen the capabilities of our Tekedia AI Lab learners who have requested a deeper understanding of coding as they work on AI agent development.

Through this two-Saturday program, we bridge the gap between “prompting” and “programming”, shrinking a mastery that would have required more than 12 months of learning into two Saturdays.

You won’t just learn to use AI, you will learn to use AI as your lead architect to write, debug, and launch specialized Python-based agents that run locally on your machine. Largely, instead of learning Python coding as you develop the agents, AI will work with you to “program” the codes via natural language, and in the process, you can transition from “running scripts” to “designing systems.”

What you will master: The Architect Workflow, Agentic Specialization, Local Deployment and The Universal Template. With this, you do not run only the agents provided by Tekedia Institute, you can now create your own Python-based agents to solve market frictions you have conceptualized.

Go here and register; Tekedia AI Lab is a prerequisite. The program begins on April 11.

How to Play Slots Online: Top Tips & Tricks

By
TI Partners
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0

Spinning the reels at an online casino has never been easier, but knowing how to play smart can make all the difference between a fun session and a frustrating one. Whether you’re hitting up slots from your phone in Banjul or relaxing at home after work, understanding the basics and some insider strategies will help you get the most out of your gaming time.

Understanding How Online Slots Work

Before you start throwing money at flashy games, it’s worth knowing what’s actually happening when you click that spin button. Online slots use something called a Random Number Generator (RNG), which is basically a computer program that makes sure every spin is completely random. Think of it like rolling dice – each roll is independent, and what happened last time has zero impact on what happens next.

This means there’s no such thing as a “hot” or “cold” machine. That slot that just paid out big? It could pay out again on the next spin. That game that hasn’t hit in hours? It might not hit for hours more. Understanding this will save you from chasing losses or buying into gambling myths that just don’t hold up.

Choosing the Right Slot Game

Not all slots are created equal, and picking the right game matters more than most players realize. Look at the Return to Player (RTP) percentage – this tells you how much a game pays back over time. A slot with 96% RTP will, theoretically, pay back $96 for every $100 wagered over millions of spins. Obviously, your individual session won’t match this exactly, but higher RTP games give you better odds overall.

Volatility is another big factor. Low volatility slots pay out frequently but in smaller amounts – perfect if you want your bankroll to last. High volatility games are the opposite: they don’t pay often, but when they do, the wins can be substantial. Medium volatility slots sit somewhere in between. Pick based on your style and how much risk you’re comfortable with.

Managing Your Bankroll Like a Pro

This is where most players mess up. Set a budget before you start playing and stick to it like your life depends on it. Decide how much you can afford to lose – and yes, you should assume you’ll lose it, because that’s how gambling works. If you win, great. If not, you’re not digging yourself into a hole.

Split your bankroll into smaller sessions. If you’ve got $100 to play with, maybe break that into five $20 sessions. Once that session money is gone, you’re done for that round. This approach helps you avoid the classic mistake of blowing your whole budget in ten minutes because you were chasing a bonus round.

Bonuses and Free Spins: Use Them Wisely

Online casinos throw promotions at players constantly, and you should definitely take advantage. When you register on ChopWin Gambia, you’ll see welcome bonuses, free spins, and other perks. These can extend your playtime without risking more of your own cash.

But – and this is important – always read the terms and conditions. Wagering requirements can be tricky. A $50 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement means you need to bet $1,500 before you can withdraw any winnings from that bonus. Sometimes the juice isn’t worth the squeeze, so pick bonuses that actually make sense for how you play.

Smart Betting Strategies

Start with smaller bets until you get a feel for how a game behaves. Some slots let you adjust not just your total bet but also the number of paylines. Generally, you want to activate all paylines to maximize your chances of winning, even if it means betting less per line.

Don’t fall for the trap of increasing your bets after losses to “win it back.” This is called chasing losses, and it’s the fastest way to empty your account. Stick to your betting strategy regardless of whether you’re winning or losing.

Knowing When to Walk Away

Set win and loss limits before you start. If you double your money, maybe that’s your signal to cash out and celebrate. If you hit your loss limit, close the game. The slots will still be there tomorrow, but your money won’t come back if you burn through it trying to force a win.

Taking breaks is crucial too. It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re in the zone, but stepping away helps you stay sharp and make better decisions. Set a timer if you need to.

Playing at Reputable Casinos

This can’t be stressed enough: only play at licensed, legitimate casinos. ChopWin Casino operates with proper licensing and security measures that protect your money and personal information. Sketchy operators might offer tempting bonuses, but they’re not worth the risk of getting scammed.

Check for secure payment methods, responsive customer support, and positive reviews from other players. A few minutes of research can save you major headaches down the road.

Final Thoughts

Playing slots online should be entertainment, not a way to pay your bills. Keep your expectations realistic, manage your money carefully, and remember that the house always has an edge. With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll get more enjoyment out of your gaming sessions and avoid the common pitfalls that trip up inexperienced players. Spin responsibly, know your limits, and have fun with it.

OpenAI Says India Now Has 100 Million Weekly ChatGPT Users

By
Samuel Nwite
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0

India has reached 100 million weekly active users of ChatGPT, making it one of OpenAI’s largest markets globally, Chief Executive Sam Altman said ahead of a major government-backed AI summit in New Delhi.

Writing in the Times of India on Sunday, Altman said India is now ChatGPT’s second-largest user base after the United States. The disclosure comes as the company prepares to formally participate in the five-day India AI Impact Summit beginning Monday, where Altman will appear alongside senior executives from leading global AI firms.

The milestone underscores India’s growing weight in OpenAI’s global expansion strategy at a time when ChatGPT’s overall user base has surged worldwide. The platform reached 800 million weekly active users as of October 2025 and is reported to be approaching 900 million.

India’s appeal for AI companies lies in its demographics and digital scale. With a young population and more than a billion internet users, the country represents one of the largest untapped growth pools for generative AI adoption.

OpenAI opened a New Delhi office in August 2025 after months of groundwork, signaling a shift from market testing to deeper operational engagement. The company also adjusted its pricing strategy for India’s cost-sensitive environment, launching a sub-$5 ChatGPT Go tier and later making it free for a year for Indian users.

Altman highlighted the role of students as a primary growth engine, noting that India has the largest number of student ChatGPT users globally. That dynamic reflects a broader trend: AI adoption in India has been driven heavily by education, exam preparation, coding assistance, and language translation use cases.

Competitors have targeted the same segment. Google offered Indian students a free one-year subscription to its AI Pro plan in September 2025. The company’s Gemini tool has also seen strong uptake in India for learning purposes, according to Google executives.

The competitive landscape signals that India is not merely a user base but a testing ground for large-scale AI diffusion across emerging markets.

Adoption vs. Monetization

While user growth has been rapid, monetization remains more complex. India’s price sensitivity limits subscription revenue per user compared to developed markets. Infrastructure constraints, including uneven broadband speeds and computing capacity, can also limit advanced AI deployment.

Altman acknowledged the broader stakes. “With its focus on access, practical AI literacy, and the infrastructure that supports widespread adoption, India is well positioned to broaden who benefits from the technology and to help shape how democratic AI is adopted at scale,” he wrote.

The Indian government has launched initiatives such as the IndiaAI Mission, aimed at expanding computing capacity, supporting startups, and accelerating AI integration in public services. These efforts are intended to reduce dependence on foreign cloud infrastructure and foster domestic innovation.

However, the gap between widespread usage and measurable economic productivity gains remains a central issue. High engagement does not automatically translate into enterprise integration, workforce transformation, or startup scaling.

Altman cautioned that uneven access could concentrate AI’s economic gains. “Given India’s size, it also risks forfeiting a vital opportunity to advance democratic AI in emerging markets around the world,” he wrote, warning that access disparities could narrow who benefits.

Summit Signals India’s Global AI Ambition

The India AI Impact Summit denotes New Delhi’s ambition to position itself as a central node in global AI governance and industry development. The event is expected to draw leaders, including Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei and Sundar Pichai, along with prominent Indian business figures such as Mukesh Ambani and Nandan Nilekani.

Political leaders, including Emmanuel Macron, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, are also expected to attend, underscoring the geopolitical significance of AI governance discussions.

The summit provides an opportunity to deepen ties with policymakers for OpenAI. Altman signaled that new partnerships with the Indian government would be announced soon, aimed at expanding access and enabling broader practical use of AI tools, though he did not provide specifics.

Analysts believe India’s 100 million weekly ChatGPT users represent a scale unmatched in most emerging economies.

Investing Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty: Building a Resilient Portfolio from Nigeria

By
Ndubuisi Ekekwe
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0

Question: “From all indications, US and Iran are likely to go into war in weeks. I am an investor in Nigeria, and I have N10 million and $10,000 which I want to invest in the Nigeria and US. Provide a strategy on how I can deploy the funds focusing on public equities, bonds, commercial papers, crypto and treasury bills. Give me specific assets and companies to consider and vehicles I can make this investment.”

My Response as a teacher: “Periods of geopolitical tension often feel distant until markets begin to respond. The possibility of a major conflict, particularly in a region tied closely to energy supply, has consequences that extend far beyond diplomacy. Oil prices react, inflation expectations shift, currencies adjust, and investors around the world quietly reposition capital. For an investor based in Nigeria holding N10 million locally and $10,000 offshore, the key question is not whether such events will affect the portfolio, but how to respond thoughtfully before volatility fully unfolds.

Historically, geopolitical shocks reshape financial markets in predictable ways. Energy prices tend to rise because supply risks increase. Investors seek safety in government-backed securities and high-quality debt instruments. At the same time, equity markets become more selective, rewarding companies with strong cash flow and essential products while punishing speculative ventures. Understanding this pattern helps frame an investment strategy that is not driven by fear, but by structure, balancing protection with selective exposure to sectors that benefit from disruption.

Within Nigeria, the first priority should be stability. Allocating a portion of funds to Treasury Bills provides a dependable base: they offer relatively predictable yields, liquidity, and insulation against sudden equity drawdowns. Complementing this with high-grade commercial papers issued by strong corporates, particularly in banking, telecommunications, and industrial sectors adds income while maintaining credit quality. These instruments perform best when markets grow cautious, because they are tied to businesses that continue operating regardless of global uncertainty.

Equities, however, should not be abandoned; they should be chosen differently. In a world where oil prices may surge, Nigerian energy-linked companies such as Seplat Energy or Oando can benefit directly from stronger crude markets. At the same time, defensive consumer businesses, producers of food, beverages, and everyday goods, provide resilience, as demand for essentials rarely collapses during geopolitical stress.

The $10,000 offshore allocation serves a complementary purpose. Exposure to U.S. Treasury-backed instruments or broad bond ETFs introduces a traditional safe-haven asset that often appreciates when global investors retreat to safety. Select investments in large international energy companies such as ExxonMobil or Chevron provide participation in global oil dynamics, while defense-sector firms whose revenues often rise during heightened geopolitical activity offer an additional, if indirect, hedge against instability. Defensive exchange-traded funds focused on consumer staples can further smooth volatility, representing businesses that continue generating revenue even when markets fluctuate.

Ultimately, the objective is not to predict war or attempt to trade headlines. It is to recognize that global risk reprices markets long before outcomes are certain. A portfolio built around stability, real assets, and cash-flow-generating businesses is better positioned to endure uncertainty and participate in recovery when clarity returns.

In times like these, investing becomes less about chasing growth and more about understanding systems on how energy, capital, and confidence interact. The thoughtful investor does not wait for certainty; he prepares quietly, builds resilience into his allocations, and allows discipline rather than emotion to guide decisions.

Asset Class Nigeria Allocation U.S. Allocation
Treasury / Bonds N4M $3,000
Energy Equities N2M $2,500
Commercial Papers N2M
Defensive Stocks N2M $2,000 ETF
Defense Sector $2,500
Crypto Hedge
Gold / Commodities
Liquidity

 

For commercial papers in Nigeria, focus on issuers with strong balance sheets and recurring cash flow:

  • Tier-1 banks (GTCO, ZenithBank, etc)
  • Telecom operators (MTNN, Dangote Cement, etc)

For energy equities in Nigeria, select companies tied to upstream or energy-linked earnings:

  • Seplat Energy

  • Oando

For defensive stocks in Nigeria, companies selling food and essential goods maintain revenue even during crises:

  • BUA Foods

  • Nestlé Nigeria

For US, use bond ETFs such as:

  • Vanguard Total Bond Market (BND)

  • iShares Treasury ETFs

In US energy, focus on large oil companies tend to outperform during supply shocks:

  • ExxonMobil

  • Chevron

  • ConocoPhillips

For the defense stocks, select from the war companies:

  • Lockheed Martin

  • RTX (Raytheon)

  • Northrop Grumman

Consider defensive stocks through consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR (XLP). People must still eat even during war.

If you short, focus on airlines with hubs in UAE, Qatar, etc as most of the hubs will be closed for civilian aviation. And expect Nigerian Naira to appreciate marginally and that means you have an idea how the FOREX market will move.

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