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Contrary to local reports, Microsoft has not shut down its African Development Center (ADC) in Nigeria.
However, the company has confirmed that it has let go of the engineering team at the Lagos facility.
A Microsoft spokesperson clarified that the ADC in Lagos remains operational, despite the layoffs.
The spokesperson stated that the company regularly makes workforce adjustments and organizational changes to align with global market conditions and meet customer needs.
Microsoft has been implementing workforce adjustments since July 2023 to streamline its operations and focus on strategic growth areas.
The layoffs, which supplement the 10,000 job reductions announced earlier in January 2023, are part of the company’s efforts to concentrate on areas that support its customers and partners.
The African Development Center was established in Lagos, Nigeria, and Nairobi, Kenya, in 2019 to expand the company’s engineering talent pool and invest in Microsoft programs.
Over the past five years, the center has employed at least 120 engineers and more than 200 total staff members.
Despite the layoffs, Microsoft remains committed to training, equipping, and hiring engineering talent in Nigeria and West Africa.
The company has emphasized its goal of developing products used by over 1 billion devices, empowering millions of users and organizations globally to achieve more.
Affected employees will reportedly receive salary payments until June 2024 and will continue to be covered by health insurance.
As Microsoft lets go of the engineering team at the African Development Center in Lagos, questions arise about the facility’s future.
However, the company has not announced plans to shutter its operations in Nigeria.
Instead, it remains focused on strategic growth areas and supporting its customers and partners.
The layoffs at the ADC in Lagos reflect broader economic challenges, such as foreign exchange concerns and unfavorable economic conditions, which have led to the closure of several international businesses across Nigeria.
Despite these challenges, Microsoft’s commitment to its African operations remains strong, as the company continues to invest in its local talent and development centers.
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