Microsoft is allegedly contemplating the closure of its African Development Centre located in Lagos, a move that, if confirmed, would have far-reaching implications for the country’s technological landscape, potentially affecting job opportunities and innovation in the sector.
According to industry insiders as reported by the Guardian Newspaper, Microsoft informed employees of the closure plans on Monday, and affected employees are slated to receive salary payments until June and will continue to be covered by health insurance.
However, an unnamed source within Microsoft’s Lagos office neither confirmed nor refuted the closure when approached by the newspaper.
While the precise motives behind the decision remain ambiguous, sources suggest Nigeria’s challenging economic conditions likely played a role.
The closure appears to affect only the ADC’s West Africa operations in Nigeria, not its East Africa facility in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Lagos Centre was inaugurated to develop innovative technology solutions to address challenges across Africa and globally.
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