By Adedapo Adesanya

Terrahaptix, a Nigerian autonomous systems startup, has raised $11.75 million in a round that will see it boost drone manufacturing to tackle violent extremism spreading across Africa.

The funding round was led by 8VC founded by the co-founder of Palantir Technologies Inc., Mr Joe Lonsdale. Other investors include Valor Equity Partners, Lux Capital, SV Angel, Leblon Capital GmbH, Silent Ventures LLC, Nova Global and angel investors including Mr Meyer Malka — the managing partner of Ribbit Capital.

Terrahaptix, founded by Mr Nathan Nwachukwu and Mr Maxwell Maduka, will use the new funding to expand Terra’s manufacturing capacity as it expands into cross-border security and counter-terrorism.

The company based in Abuja produces long- and mid-range drones, autonomous sentry towers and unmanned ground vehicles to help secure infrastructure assets valued at about $11 billion across Africa, including hydropower plants in Nigeria, as well as gold- and lithium-mining operations in Ghana.

In June last year, the firm beat an Israeli company to secure a $1.2 million security contract to deploy AI-powered drones and sentry towers at two hydroelectric power plants in Nigeria, awarded by a private security firm, Nethawk Solutions.

According to Mr Nwachukwu, the CEO of Terrahaptix, the rising spate of insecurity must be tackle as the continent continues to industrialize its economy.

“Africa is industrializing faster than any other region, with new mines, refineries and power plants emerging every month,” he said, “But none of that progress will matter if we don’t solve the continent’s greatest Achilles’ heel, which is insecurity and terrorism.”

“Our mission is to give Africa the technological edge to protect its industrial future and defeat terrorism.” Mr Nwanchuku added.

On his part, Mr Maduka, the company’s co-founder and CTO, also reinforced the company’s commitment to the continent by saying, “This is African technology, built by African engineers, for African infrastructure. We are creating skilled jobs, building advanced manufacturing capacity, and ensuring the intellectual property behind Africa’s security stays on the continent.”

The need for security has risen in recent years as groups such as Islamic State and al-Qaeda are gaining ground in Africa, converging along a swathe of territory that stretches from Mali to Nigeria.

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The credit ratings of Stanbic IBTC Insurance, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, have been upgraded by Agusto & Co.

The improved ratings underscore the company’s commitment to robust risk management, operational discipline, and its strong capacity to meet obligations to policyholders.

In a statement, Stanbic IBTC Insurance said its long-term and short-term ratings of A and A1 were raised by the rating agency. It was added that the two ratings were given a stable outlook, reflecting stronger confidence in the company’s financial resilience, governance standards, and long-term sustainability.

Agusto also cited Stanbic IBTC Insurance’s sound liquidity position, prudent business strategy, and the strategic backing it receives as part of Stanbic IBTC Holdings.

As part of its growth strategy, Stanbic IBTC Insurance continues to expand its retail footprint across Nigeria, enhancing access to life insurance solutions and deepening its presence in key markets. This expansion supports its mission to serve individuals, families, and businesses with reliable and accessible insurance offerings.

In terms of claims settlement, Stanbic IBTC has consistently demonstrated its commitment to prompt and efficient payout to policyholders and annuitants.

Since its establishment in 2021, the company has settled over 2,000 claims, amounting to more than N1.8 billion in cash.

Additionally, it has paid over 16 billion in annuities to more than 4,900 retirees, reaffirming its dedication to delivering reliable and timely benefits.

“We are delighted with this upgrade as a reflection of our progress and the trust we’ve earned from stakeholders.

“Our focus remains on delivering reliable protection, exceptional service, and enduring value to both policyholders and other stakeholders.

“This recognition motivates us to uphold the highest standards of financial discipline, service excellence, and integrity,” the chief executive of Stanbic IBTC Insurance, Mr Akinjide Orimolade, stated.

By Dipo Olowookere

Eighty-four equities gained weight on the floor of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited last week, higher than the 73 equities recorded a week earlier, helping the All-Share Index (ASI) to rise by 3.71 per cent to 162,298.08 points and lifting the market capitalisation by 3.84 per cent to N103.775 trillion.

In the five-day trading week, all other indices finished higher apart from the sovereign bond index, which closed flat.

Data also showed that 22 equities depreciated in the period under review, lower than 23 equities in the previous week, while 42 equities remained unchanged, lower than 51 equities in the previous week.

Multiverse ended the week as the biggest price gaienr after improving its value by 59.73 per cent to close at N23.40, McNichols appreciated by 53.20 per cent to N5.50, May and Baker expanded by 51.58 per cent to N28.80, Deap Capital rose by 43.54 per cent to N3.00, and Neimeth leapt by 43.22 per cent to N8.45.

On the other hand, Aluminium Extrusion was the biggest price loser with a 19.75 per cent decline to settle at N19.10, Austin Laz lost 11.56 per cent to trade at N4.13, Sovereign Trust Insurance moderated by 11.29 per cent to N3.38, Ikeja Hotel depreciated by 10.91 per cent to N40.00, and Juli contracted by 9.93 per cent to N7.26.

In the week, investors transacted 4.164 billion shares worth N94.026 billion in 248,254 deals versus the 7.821 billion shares valued at N134.471 billion traded in 150,799 deals in the preceding week.

Financial stocks led the activity chart with 2.651 billion units sold for N35.957 billion in 93,706 deals, contributing 63.67 per cent and 38.24 per cent to the total trading volume and value, respectively.

Services equities followed with 369.963 million units worth N3.383 billion in 16,521 deals, and third place was ICT shares with a turnover of 297.938 million units worth N5.727 billion in 21,548 deals.

Universal Insurance, Linkage Assurance, Access Holdings accounted for 1.261 billion shares worth N5.060 billion in 13,819 deals, contributing 30.28 per cent and 5.38 per cent to the total trading volume and value apiece.