Microsoft Plans To Shut Down Its Office In Lagos, Nigeria, Putting 200 Jobs At Risk

Microsoft, a global technology company with its headquarters in the United States, has thought of shutting down the African Development Center (ADC) in Lagos, Nigeria, where it operates.

Microsoft’s ADC is situated in Lagos’ affluent Ikoyi neighbourhood, which serves as the business hub of Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa.

The tech giant reportedly informed its employees on Monday that it will be closing its office in Lagos without explaining.

According to an insider who spoke to The Guardian Newspaper, the impacted workers will continue to be protected by health insurance and receive wage payments through June.

Although the precise rationale for the decision is yet unknown, there are rumours that the deteriorating economic situation in Nigeria may have had a negative influence on the decision-making process.

The closure doesn’t seem to be affecting the ADC’s East Africa office in Nairobi, Kenya; rather, it seems to be limited to its West Africa activities in Nigeria.

Microsoft established locations in Lagos and Nairobi as part of its $100 million African Development Centers plan, which was introduced in 2019.

After its 2022 unveiling, Nigeria’s Microsoft ADC employed around 120 developers, bringing its total workforce to over 200.

By the end of 2019, the business wanted to hire 100 full-time engineers, and by the end of 2023, 500 engineers. Microsoft is attempting to leverage African innovation in areas such as off-grid energy, agritech, and finance.

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