In a significant blow to Nigeria’s tech industry, there are reports indicating that Microsoft is contemplating the closure of its African Development Centre located in Lagos.
If this decision is confirmed, it would mean that at least 200 employees would lose their jobs. This potential move could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s technological landscape, potentially affecting job prospects and innovation within the sector.
According to industry insiders who spoke to The Guardian newspaper on Tuesday, May 7, Microsoft informed its staff of the closure plans on Monday, May 6.
Affected employees are said to be guaranteed salary payments until June and will continue to receive health insurance coverage.
Sources suggest that Nigeria’s challenging economic conditions likely played a role in Microsoft’s decision.
It appears that the closure only impacts the ADC’s West Africa operations in Nigeria, not its East Africa facility in Nairobi, Kenya.
Microsoft launched its $100 million African Development Centers initiative in 2019, establishing centers in both Lagos and Nairobi.
The Nigeria center employed over 120 engineers upon its launch in 2022, growing to more than 200 total staff members.
