THE NEXT FRONTIER IN TECH INNOVATION

Africa’s tech industry, long dominated by fintech, agro-tech, and e-commerce, is moving into unexpected territory: defence. A new wave of start-ups is building drones, surveillance systems, and cybersecurity tools designed to tackle the continent’s complex security challenges. As conflicts, piracy, and terrorism persist and as governments push for greater self-reliance entrepreneurs are stepping into a space once dominated by state contractors and foreign suppliers. Their rise signals not only a shift in Africa’s start-up scene but also the emergence of a potential new player in the global defence tech market, with the promise of thousands of high-skilled jobs.

The move into defence is rooted in Africa’s broader start-up boom. In the first half of 2025 alone, African ventures raised $1.35 billion, a 78% jump from the previous year. While consumer-facing sectors still command the lion’s share of capital, defence tech is carving out a niche as governments seek home-grown solutions to insecurity. Nigeria and South Africa are leading the push, leveraging their military histories and growing tech talent pools to nurture new players in the space.

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A young, tech-savvy population is fuelling this momentum. With more than 60% of Africans under 25, the continent has no shortage of engineers and innovators skilled in artificial intelligence, robotics, and drone design. Unlike Western defence start-ups that often chase advanced, high-cost systems, African innovators are prioritizing affordability and adaptability. From drones built for reconnaissance in the Sahel to AI-powered tools for monitoring piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, the focus is on technologies that work in local conditions and on limited budgets.

Nigeria is quickly becoming a hub for defence innovation. Start-ups such as Kifta Technologies are developing advanced surveillance drones, while Proforce Defence Limited produces armoured vehicles, and Terrahaptix is working on robotics for military applications. Their products serve not only Nigeria’s armed forces but also neighbouring countries, pointing to regional demand. Government support for local manufacturing has provided a boost, though limited venture funding remains a hurdle for scaling.

South Africa, by contrast, benefits from a longer-standing defence industry. Companies like Dragonfly Aerospace are building satellite imaging systems, while Milkor develops unmanned aerial vehicles. Rising defence budgets and growing demand for air defence systems have created space for start-ups and mid-sized firms to expand. South Africa’s engineering expertise, much of it dating back to the apartheid era, is now being redirected toward modern, ethical applications, including peacekeeping operations across the continent.

For all their promise, defence start-ups face steep challenges. Regulatory hurdles including strict export controls and compliance with international arms treaties can slow progress. Access to capital is another barrier: while global defence tech has

attracted billions even during economic downturns, African ventures often struggle to secure comparable backing due to perceived political and financial risks. Talent retention is also difficult, as skilled engineers are lured by higher-paying jobs abroad. Ethical questions loom as well. The weaponising of emerging technologies raises concerns about civilian harm, misuse by authoritarian regimes, and the spread of tools to non-state actors. Without strong oversight, critics warn, defence innovation could worsen instability rather than ease it.

Even so, momentum is building. Events like the African Defence Tech Summit 2025 are bringing together start-ups, investors, and military buyers, putting more than 20 innovative firms in the spotlight. International partnerships, particularly with European and Asian defence firms, are opening doors to funding and technical expertise. Dual-use technologies like drones that can patrol borders but also monitor crops are proving especially attractive, offering commercial sustainability alongside military utility.

The growth of defence start-ups could redefine Africa’s tech story. By investing in indigenous innovation, the continent has the chance to strengthen technological sovereignty, diversify its economies, and contribute to global security. Analysts believe that as trends in AI, cyber warfare, and autonomous systems accelerate, African start-ups will not only meet local demand but also compete on the international stage.

For Africa’s entrepreneurs, the rise of defence tech is more than a new business frontier. It represents an opportunity to create solutions rooted in the continent’s realities addressing security threats while generating jobs and advancing technology. With the right policies, investment, and ethical guardrails, Africa could move from being a consumer of defence technologies to a source of innovation shaping the future of global security.