Microsoft Shuts Lagos Office, Shifts to Kenya
Microsoft has officially closed its office in Lagos, Nigeria, and relocated its operations to Kenya. This move has resulted in the dissolution of all Nigerian staff, with their last salary payments scheduled for June. The Lagos office is set to shut down by the end of June.
The decision to close the Lagos office and shift to Kenya has sparked concerns and discussions about the implications for the Nigerian tech industry and economy. The closure is part of a broader organizational and workforce adjustment by Microsoft to align with global market conditions and prioritize strategic growth areas.
Microsoft’s African Development Center (ADC) in Lagos, which was launched in 2022, aimed to develop innovative technology solutions to address challenges across Africa and globally. The center employed over 120 engineers and more than 200 total staff members at its peak.
The closure of the Lagos office does not affect Microsoft’s operations in East Africa, particularly the ADC in Nairobi, Kenya. The Nairobi facility remains operational and continues to focus on Microsoft’s strategic growth areas and customer support.
The shift to Kenya is seen as a strategic move by Microsoft to focus on areas with more favorable economic conditions and better opportunities for growth. The decision has raised concerns about the impact on the Nigerian tech industry and the loss of job opportunities for local talent.
As Microsoft closes its Lagos office, the future of its African Development Center in Nigeria remains uncertain. The company has not provided specific reasons for the closure, but it is speculated that unfavorable economic conditions, foreign exchange concerns, and the need to prioritize strategic growth areas might have played a role in the decision.
The closure of the Lagos office and the shift to Kenya highlight the challenges faced by international businesses operating in Nigeria and the need for economic reforms to create a more conducive environment for investment and growth.
