Microsoft to Close Nigeria Development Center

A spokesperson for Microsoft (MSFT.O) announced that the closure of its Africa Development Centre in Nigeria, the most populous country on the continent, will result in the loss of jobs

Established in 2022 in Lagos, the commercial capital, the center was instrumental in Microsoft’s effort to provide the company with cutting-edge engineering and innovation solutions.

However, the organization stated that it would maintain operations in Nigeria while continuing to invest and prioritize strategic growth areas.

“Microsoft has decided to close the Africa Development Center in Nigeria, and as a result, some of our employees based in Nigeria will be impacted,” according to a Microsoft spokesperson.

“Organizational and workforce adjustments are a necessary and regular part of managing our business.”

Immediately, it was unclear how many individuals would be affected.

Brad Smith, president of Microsoft, stated in December 2022 that Africa possessed an expanding reservoir of talent, in contrast to regions experiencing a decline in population growth. Microsoft employed over 500 engineers in Nairobi, Kenya, and over 200 engineers in Lagos at the time.