**"Raising the Bar: Nigerian Startup Proves Local Manufacturing Can Deliver World-Class Drones"** In the heart of Enugu State, a trailblazing startup is rewriting the narrative on Nigeria's capacity for hard tech manufacturing. Arone Technologies, founded by AI engineer Emmanuel Ezenwere in 2018, is taking the world by storm with its innovative approach to drone manufacturing and modular solar energy systems. This Enugu-based startup is on a mission to prove that Nigeria can build cutting-edge solutions that rival global standards. Located in a 2,000-square-metre facility in Nsukka, Enugu State, Arone Technologies has been perfecting the art of drone assembly, testing control systems, and fine-tuning battery modules. The company's ambitious plans have just received a massive boost with a ₦12.95 billion ($9.52 million) partnership with the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu. This collaboration will see the establishment of Nigeria's first tech manufacturing plant dedicated to defence, aerospace, robotics, AI, and renewable energy. The partnership is a testament to Arone's remarkable journey, which began with a humble ₦3 million ($2,200) grant from Roar Nigeria, a tech hub based in the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The company's early days were marked by setbacks, including a drone crash that threatened to wipe out its capital. However, Ezenwere's team refused to give up, learning from their mistakes and pivoting toward more sustainable solutions. Arone's innovative approach to addressing Nigeria's last-mile healthcare delivery problem has the potential to revolutionize the sector. Autonomous drones capable of carrying medical supplies over long distances can significantly reduce the time it takes to deliver critical care to remote communities. In fact, a trip that might take one hour and fifteen minutes by road can be completed in just 15 minutes by drone. The implications of Arone's success are far-reaching, with the potential to create jobs, stimulate local innovation, and drive economic growth. As Nigeria continues to grapple with the challenges of energy security and smart living, Arone Technologies is poised to play a significant role in shaping the country's tech landscape. With its commitment to building solutions that enable energy security and artificial intelligence, this Enugu-based startup is truly raising the bar for local manufacturing in Nigeria.