Microsoft has announced the closure of its Africa Development Centre situated in Nigeria, the continent’s most populous nation, leading to anticipated job losses, according to a spokesperson’s statement on Wednesday.
Established in 2022 in Lagos, the commercial capital, the centre was a cornerstone of Microsoft’s efforts to deliver cutting-edge engineering and innovation solutions.
Despite this closure, Microsoft affirmed its ongoing commitment to Nigeria, emphasizing continued operations and investments in key growth sectors.
A Microsoft spokesperson commented, “Microsoft has made the decision to close the Africa Development Centre in Nigeria, resulting in the impact on some of our employees based there. Organizational and workforce adjustments are an essential and routine aspect of managing our business.”
The exact number of individuals affected was not immediately disclosed.
In December 2022, Microsoft President Brad Smith highlighted Africa’s expanding talent pool, diverging from declining population growth trends elsewhere. During this period, Microsoft boasted a workforce of over 200 engineers in Lagos and more than 500 in Nairobi, Kenya.
