MICROSOFT ADDRESSES LAGOS ADC CLOSURE

Microsoft has issued its first statement regarding the shutdown of the six-year-old Microsoft Africa Development Centre (ADC) West Africa located on Lagos Nigeria.

What Happened:

• Microsoft announced plans to close the engineering and communications operations of its Africa Development Center (ADC) in Lagos, Nigeria.
• This comes as a surprise to employees, especially considering recent promises of investment from Microsoft’s founder.
• Affected employees will reportedly receive salaries until June and retain health insurance coverage.
• Microsoft assures continued operations in Nigeria and commitment to regional growth areas.

Why it Matters:

• This decision raises questions about Microsoft’s long-term strategy for Africa’s tech talent pool.
• The closure follows a recent trend of tech companies downsizing amid the “AI war.”
• The $100 million ADC initiative aimed to foster innovation in fields like fintech and agritech, potentially impacting those sectors.
• Uncertainty surrounding the Kenya ADC office adds to the overall concern.

Background:

• Launched in 2019, the ADC aimed to recruit hundreds of engineers and partner with universities to develop future-proof tech skills in Africa.
• This closure represents a significant shift from Microsoft’s initial ambitious plans for the ADC.

Unanswered Questions:

• What specific factors led to this decision?
• What will happen to the remaining ADC operations in Lagos?
• How will this impact Microsoft’s overall strategy for African tech talent?

This situation is unfolding, and we’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Source: Techeconomy