Tech Behemoth Microsoft Poised to Shut Down West Africa Operations Hub in Nigeria, 200 Positions in Jeopardy – Report
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| Tech Behemoth Microsoft Poised to Shut Down West Africa Operations Hub in Nigeria, 200 Positions in Jeopardy |
Confidants within the industry who conversed with The Guardian newspaper on Tuesday disclosed that Microsoft had briefed its staff on Monday regarding the shutdown plans.
Microsoft, a leading American multinational technology corporation, is mulling over the shutdown of its African Development Centre in Lagos.
Confidants within the industry who conversed with The Guardian newspaper on Tuesday disclosed that Microsoft had briefed its staff on Monday regarding the shutdown plans.
It has been revealed that the impacted employees will continue to receive their salaries until June and maintain their health insurance coverage. Although the exact reasons for the decision are not clear, it is speculated that the tough economic environment in Nigeria might have influenced the decision.
The report indicates that the shutdown seems to impact solely the ADC's West Africa operations in Nigeria, not affecting its East Africa counterpart in Nairobi, Kenya. When contacted by the newspaper, a source from Microsoft's Lagos office did not confirm or deny the shutdown.
In 2019, Microsoft inaugurated its $100 million African Development Centers initiative, setting up operations in Lagos and Nairobi.
At its inception in 2022, the Nigeria centre had over 120 engineers, expanding to a workforce of over 200.
In 2019, the company set a goal to hire 100 full-time engineers by year's end, and 500 engineers by the close of 2023. Microsoft is committed to harnessing African ingenuity in domains such as fintech, agritech, and off-grid energy.
"The ADC stands out as a unique investment on the continent. It will enable us to more effectively heed our customers, cultivate local development, and amplify our global influence," said Phil Spencer, Microsoft's executive vice president, in Nairobi.
"Moreover, it presents a chance to deepen our interactions with African collaborators, academic institutions, governments, and developers – fostering progress and innovation in areas vital to Africa."
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