There’s a big hit to Nigeria’s tech industry because rumours have it that Microsoft may close its Lagos-based African Development Centre.
If verified, this action would result in the loss of jobs for at least 200 employees.
It would potentially affect job possibilities and innovation in the industry. It would also have significant effects on the technological landscape of the nation.
Microsoft told staff members about the shutdown plans on Monday, May 6, according to industry insiders who spoke with The Guardian newspaper on Tuesday, May 7.
The impacted workers’ health insurance will remain valid, and they will continue to get wage payments through June.
According to sources, Nigeria’s difficult economic circumstances probably had some influence.
The closure appears to affect only 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 facilities in both Lagos and Nairobi.
The Nigeria centre employed over 120 engineers upon launch in 2022, growing to more than 200 total staff members.
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