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Technology

Terra Industries Raises $22M to Build Africa’s Defense Tech Capabilities

by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor
written by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor

Nigeria-based Terra Industries, a rapidly growing defense technology startup founded by Gen Z entrepreneurs, has secured an additional $22 million in funding, bringing its total funding to $34 million. The new investment, led by Lux Capital, comes just one month after the company closed an $11.75 million round, demonstrating strong investor confidence in its mission to build autonomous defense systems for African nations.

Founded in 2024 by Nathan Nwachuku, 22, and Maxwell Maduka, 24, Terra Industries aims to address a critical gap in African security infrastructure. Currently, many African nations rely on Russia, China, or Western countries for security intelligence and defense systems. Terra Industries is positioning itself as “Africa’s first defense prime,” developing infrastructure and autonomous systems to monitor and respond to threats, particularly terrorism, a significant concern across the continent. This latest funding round underscores the growing demand for locally-sourced security solutions.

The quick turnaround for this extension round – completed in under two weeks – reflects “strong momentum,” according to Nwachuku. Investors, including repeat backers 8VC, Nova Global, and Resiliience17 Capital (founded by Flutterwave CEO Olugbenga Agboola), cited faster-than-expected traction in deals and partnerships as a key driver for increasing their commitment. The company has already generated over $2.5 million in commercial revenue and is currently protecting assets valued at approximately $11 billion, according to Nwachuku.

Terra Industries isn’t just focused on government contracts. The company also serves commercial clients and has been expanding its reach since January, moving into other, currently unnamed, African nations. A key component of this expansion is a new joint manufacturing facility in Saudi Arabia, established through a partnership with AIC Steel. This facility will focus on building surveillance infrastructure and security systems, marking Terra’s first major manufacturing expansion outside of Africa.

The demand for robust infrastructure security is particularly acute in the sub-Saharan African and Sahel regions, where terrorism and armed attacks have resulted in significant loss of life and billions of dollars in infrastructure damage. Terra Industries is targeting major economies within these regions, aiming to provide solutions tailored to their specific security challenges. “We’re focused on targeting major economies where the need for infrastructure security is urgent and where our solutions can make a meaningful impact,” Nwachuku stated.

The scale of investment in Terra Industries, while substantial, is still dwarfed by other defense tech companies. For comparison, Anduril has raised over $2.5 billion, ShieldAI around $1 billion, Skydio approximately $740 million, and Saronic around $830 million. Though, the company’s rapid growth and focus on a unique market position suggest significant potential.

Looking ahead, Terra Industries will continue to focus on expanding its operations across Africa and delivering on its promise of providing locally-developed defense solutions. The company plans to reveal further details about its new contracts and expansion plans throughout the year. The success of Terra Industries could signal a shift towards greater self-reliance in African security and a burgeoning defensetech sector on the continent.

What are your thoughts on the rise of African-led defense technology companies? Share your insights in the comments below.

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Technology

MAS AY JARIVÉ LAPWENT: Pointe-à-Pitre Carnival Celebration 🎉

by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor
written by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor

Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe – The vibrant energy of Carnaval is building in Pointe-à-Pitre as preparations ramp up for ‘Mas Ay Jarivé Lapwent,’ a series of events celebrating the local culture and traditions. The festivities, which translate to “The Mas is Arriving in Lapwent,” promise a dynamic program of music, dance, and artistic expression, culminating in the Parade of Kings on February 27, 2026. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to participate and experience the unique atmosphere of Guadeloupean Carnaval.

The upcoming events are being heavily promoted through a dedicated WhatsApp channel, AGENDA LAPWENT971, offering real-time updates and information about the Carnaval schedule. This digital outreach aims to connect with a wider audience and ensure everyone can stay informed about the various activities planned throughout the season. The channel can be joined at https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VajmNWPF6sn2UDoQN91I.

The Carnaval program, as outlined by the Ville de Pointe-à-Pitre, includes a diverse range of events designed to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region. On January 25, 2026, the “Bal Lakou A Mas” will take place from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Rue Achille RENE-BOISNEUF, near the Terminal de croisière. This event promises a lively atmosphere and a celebration of traditional music and dance. The city is also hosting “An Sanblaj A Group A Po!” an event featuring traditional drumming, *konk a lanbi* workshops, and a display of traditional *mas* costumes and artwork, alongside artisan crafts and t-shirt sales. Information can be found at 0690-68-33-53.

A key element of the Carnaval celebrations is the exploration of *kanne de combat*, or fighting cane, with M. KANAEL HERESON. This tradition, deeply rooted in Guadeloupean history, will be showcased as part of the broader cultural program. Further details can be found in the official press release (85 KB).

Parade of Kings Set for February 27th

The highlight of the Carnaval season, the Parade of Kings, is scheduled for February 27, 2026, starting at 2:00 PM in Place de la Victoire. The parade will feature various *groupes carnavalesques* (Carnaval groups), and the Ville de Pointe-à-Pitre will be awarding a “Coup de Cœur” prize to the most outstanding performance. The event is an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the creativity and artistry of local Carnaval groups. “Mas an Fanmi” is expected to be a prominent participant, according to city announcements.

Beyond these specific events, Pointe-à-Pitre offers a year-round calendar of cultural activities, including Lapwent Fashion Week, exhibitions, concerts, and the Festival des Ecritures des Amériques. The city’s commitment to preserving and promoting its cultural heritage is evident in the diverse range of events offered to residents and visitors. The full agenda of events can be found on the city’s website.

The 2025 edition of “Lapwent en fête” was also a success, paving the way for an even more vibrant Carnaval in 2026. The city continues to build on these successes, aiming to create a memorable experience for all participants. Recent announcements also included information regarding traffic restrictions for the Parade of Kings on February 27, 2026.

As Carnaval approaches, Pointe-à-Pitre is preparing to welcome both locals and tourists to experience the unique energy and cultural richness of this annual celebration. The combination of traditional events, artistic performances, and community engagement promises a Carnaval season filled with joy and excitement. Stay tuned to AGENDA LAPWENT971 for the latest updates and information.

What are your favorite Carnaval traditions? Share your thoughts in the comments below and help us spread the word about this exciting event!

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Technology

AI Cut My Grocery Bill in Half: How ChatGPT Saved Me $200/Week

by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor
written by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor

For many families, the weekly grocery run is a significant financial burden. Between rising food costs and the temptation of impulse buys, keeping a grocery bill in check can feel like a losing battle. But what if a simple AI prompt could drastically reduce your spending? One family discovered that leveraging ChatGPT to plan meals based on existing pantry staples cut their weekly grocery bill nearly in half.

The challenge is familiar: inflation, unplanned purchases, and the constant question of “what’s for dinner?” often lead to overspending. Traditional methods like couponing and meal planning can be time-consuming and don’t always deliver substantial savings. Seeking a more efficient solution, a parent turned to ChatGPT, a widely used chatbot, for a grocery shopping hack.

The response was surprisingly straightforward: shop your fridge, freezer, and pantry first, and then plan meals around what you already have. This isn’t simply about using leftovers; it’s a proactive process of inventory assessment and creative meal planning. The specific instructions involved taking photos of the fridge, freezer, and pantry, then asking ChatGPT to generate five meal ideas based on the available ingredients.

The results were immediate, and impactful. Instead of a typical $350–$400 weekly grocery haul, the family was able to reduce their spending to $200–$250. ChatGPT suggested meals like chicken and veggie pasta, spinach and feta omelets, chicken tacos using pantry spices, bean and tomato soup, and stir-fry using frozen vegetables. The chatbot even provided recipes for each suggestion, eliminating the demand for additional research.

The Power of Inventory-Based Meal Planning

The success of this method isn’t just about saving money; it’s about shifting a mindset. Before using ChatGPT, the family tended to buy the same groceries week after week. By focusing on utilizing existing ingredients, they discovered new meal combinations and added variety to their diet. This approach also reduced food waste, as items were used before expiring, and minimized duplicate purchases.

The process also fostered a more organized kitchen. Knowing what was already on hand before heading to the store encouraged the family to buy versatile ingredients and think in terms of “meal components” rather than individual dishes. A well-organized freezer became a key component of this new strategy.

From Experiment to Habit

Interestingly, the more the family utilized this method, the more efficient their shopping became. They began to prioritize ingredients that could be used in multiple meals, further streamlining their grocery trips and reducing waste. ChatGPT effectively transformed into a virtual kitchen assistant, offering creative solutions and minimizing financial strain.

This simple AI hack highlights the potential of leveraging technology to address everyday challenges. It’s a practical example of how artificial intelligence can be used to improve household budgeting and promote more sustainable consumption habits. The core principle – utilizing existing resources before acquiring new ones – is a timeless strategy, but ChatGPT provides a convenient and innovative way to implement it.

As AI tools continue to evolve, we can expect to see even more creative applications emerge, helping consumers navigate the complexities of modern life. The future of grocery shopping may well involve a collaborative approach between human ingenuity and artificial intelligence, leading to more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable food systems.

What are your thoughts on using AI to manage household tasks? Share your experiences and ideas in the comments below!

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Technology

How Brain Synapses Encode Time in Working Memory

by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor
written by Sophie Lin - Technology Editor

Working memory allows us to remember a phone number just long enough to dial it or to keep track of the steps in a recipe. This cognitive function enables us to navigate through sequences of items and events effortlessly, creating an instinctive awareness of what comes next. Despite seeming automatic, our brains engage in a delicate balancing act, maintaining a few items in mind while too tracking the timing of each occurrence. How does this intricate system function?

Traditional models of working memory largely emphasize persistent neural activity or gradual learning through repetition. While these models are effective at explaining what information is stored, they fail to clarify how we can successfully recall the order of items or the timing of events, particularly in novel sequences. Research indicates that individuals can recall new sequences, including their order and timing, without any prior practice. This suggests that working memory must be capable of storing temporal information in real-time, raising the question: where is this information stored within the brain?

Recent research by Gianluigi Mongillo and Misha Tsodyks proposes that temporal information is directly encoded in the dynamics of the synapses connecting neurons. Their findings suggest that rather than storing temporal information separately, fleeting changes in synaptic signaling may embed a sense of time within the memory itself. This innovative approach builds on their previous operate, which established a synaptic theory of working memory.

Understanding Synaptic Augmentation

Mongillo and Tsodyks expand their synaptic theory by incorporating a mechanism known as synaptic augmentation, a form of short-term plasticity that develops gradually and can persist for tens of seconds. In contrast to classical facilitation and depression—forms of short-term plasticity that occur over much shorter timescales—synaptic augmentation allows synapses to strengthen gradually. When a neuron fires repeatedly during a sequence, its outgoing synapses not only transmit signals but also increase in strength, recording how recently and how often they have been active. This leads to a time-dependent gradient across synapses, effectively encoding the timing of each item in a sequence.

For instance, consider a sequence of items represented by different neural populations. As each item is presented, the synaptic strengths in the corresponding neurons increase. Because this augmentation builds up and decays slowly, the resulting pattern retains a temporal fingerprint of the sequence, with earlier items exhibiting stronger augmentation than those presented later. This gradient allows working memory to replay the sequence in the correct order and approximate timing, whether at real speed or in a time-compressed manner.

Dynamic Memory Representations

This theory resonates with findings from experimental studies indicating that working memory activity is dynamic rather than static. Memory representations can fluctuate in strength over time, can be briefly reactivated, and may even be replayed during sleep or rest, often in a time-compressed format believed to aid learning and memory consolidation. Importantly, Mongillo and Tsodyks argue that without synaptic augmentation, the system tends to stabilize, causing all past items to be maintained equally and erasing any temporal distinctions.

Critically, their model offers testable predictions regarding how temporal information is encoded in working memory. The gradual buildup and decay of synaptic augmentation aligns with behavioral observations that working memory can sustain temporal intervals of several seconds without active rehearsal. The researchers predict that selectively disrupting mechanisms of augmentation would impair memory concerning the order and timing of items, while leaving the memory of the items themselves intact.

Neural Activity Patterns and Implications

The model proposed by Mongillo and Tsodyks, who are affiliated with prestigious institutions including the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton and Sorbonne University, provides a framework for interpreting patterns of neural activity observed in electrophysiological studies. It accounts for ramping activity during memory delays and the so-called “activity-silent” states where latent information can be reactivated by cues. By linking these dynamic patterns to underlying synaptic changes, the model bridges the gap between observable neural activity and the synaptic processes underpinning working memory.

their work reframes a long-standing question in cognitive neuroscience: time is not merely an addition to memory but an emergent characteristic of how synapses dynamically change. The brain does not require a separate “clock” to timestamp experiences; instead, it utilizes its own plasticity mechanisms to leave a temporal imprint on memory. These insights will continue to influence our understanding of cognition as an active, evolving process shaped by brain rhythms and gradual changes in neuron connections.

As research progresses, the implications of this model could have far-reaching effects on how we understand memory, and cognition. Future studies may delve into the potential applications of these findings in addressing memory-related disorders or enhancing cognitive functions. Engaging in discussions around these advancements can foster better awareness and understanding of the intricate workings of our cognitive processes.

What are your thoughts on the relationship between time and memory? Share your views in the comments, and consider sharing this article to spark further discussion.

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