Microsoft Announces Closure of West Africa Operations in Nigeria
Nigeria’s Tech Sector Faces Setback as Microsoft Considers Closure of African Development Centre in Lagos
Nigeria’s burgeoning tech landscape faces a significant setback as reports emerge of Microsoft’s potential decision to shutter its African Development Centre based in Lagos.
Should this decision materialize, it would mark a substantial blow to the country’s technological ecosystem, potentially leaving approximately 200 employees without jobs.
The ripple effects could extend far beyond the immediate workforce, impacting job opportunities and stifling innovation within the sector.
Insiders, speaking to The Guardian newspaper on Tuesday, May 7, disclosed that Microsoft notified its staff of the closure plans on Monday, May 6.
Affected employees are slated to receive salary payments until June and will maintain coverage under existing health insurance plans.
Sources intimate that Nigeria‘s challenging economic climate likely influenced Microsoft’s decision to scale back its operations.
It’s worth noting that the closure appears to target solely the ADC’s West Africa operations in Nigeria, with no indication of impact on its East Africa facility in Nairobi, Kenya.
Microsoft launched its ambitious $100 million African Development Centers initiative in 2019, setting up facilities in both Lagos and Nairobi.
The Nigeria center, established in 2022, initially employed over 120 engineers, with its workforce growing to exceed 200 staff members.
Microsoft Announces Closure of West Africa Operations in Nigeria
