There are indications that Microsoft may close its African Development Centre (ADC) in Lagos, Nigeria. While there has been no official statement from Microsoft, industry sources suggest that the management informed staff of this development on Monday.
Affected staff may receive their salaries until June and retain their Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). The reasons behind the potential shutdown remain unclear, but economic conditions in Nigeria are speculated to be a factor.
The ADC in East Africa, located in Nairobi, Kenya, is reportedly unaffected. Launched in 2022 as part of a $100 million investment for two development centers in Africa, the Lagos ADC aimed to recruit 500 engineers by 2023 but has reportedly exceeded that number. The ADC was set up to create tech solutions addressing African and global challenges.
Source: Vanguard