Nigeria and UAE seal technology pact to drive $200 million defence and space investment.
The memorandum of understanding was signed in Abuja by representatives of Nigeria‑based Nigus International Investment Limited and UAE‑headquartered Elmirate Investment LLC, under which a new entity, Nigus Tactical Systems Ltd, will drive the initiative, integrate technologies, and channel capital into the planned platform.
Prince Malik Ado‑Ibrahim, executive chairman of Nigus International, described the pact as reflective of broader shifts across Africa, where technological capacity is now seen as a cornerstone of economic strength and national security.
“Africa is entering a pivotal phase in its development, where technological capability will increasingly define economic strength and national security,” he said in a statement on Monday, adding that the partnership aims to spur innovation, manufacturing, and technology transfer in Nigeria.
The new venture is designed to help reduce reliance on imported defence equipment while building a local industrial base that can support both national and regional security needs.Planned areas of focus include tactical and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance drones, as well as unmanned aerial systems, which are seen as critical tools for modern defence operations.
Pankajj Ghode, managing director of Elmirate Capital, said the planned commitment of up to $200 million shows confidence in Nigeria’s potential as a technology and aerospace hub.
“By connecting our global network of defence, cybersecurity, aerospace, and advanced technology partners with local expertise, we aim to support the development of a resilient ecosystem that drives industrial growth and strengthens regional stability,” he said.
In addition to defence hardware, the partnership extends to cyber defence capabilities. Officials outlined plans for cyber ranges and training platforms intended to fortify digital security systems and resilience against emerging threats, marking an intersection between physical and digital security efforts.
Satellite tech is also set to play a key role, with ambitions to develop earth observation systems,secure communications networks, and space‑based intelligence tools that could serve both security and civilian applications. Organisers say these components will help position Nigeria as a regional centre for advanced technologies.
The platform’s activities will be conducted under the oversight of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria and in line with the provisions of the DICON Act 2023, which provides the regulatory framework for domestic defence production and technological collaboration.
Source: Africabusinessinsider