LAGOS, Nigeria – Microsoft confirmed layoffs at its African Development Center (ADC) in Lagos, Nigeria, but denied reports of a complete shutdown.
A company spokesperson clarified that the engineering team has been let go, but the Nigerian office remains operational.
Microsoft did not disclose specific reasons for the layoffs, stating only that “workforce adjustments are a necessary part of managing our business.” This aligns with previous company-wide restructuring efforts throughout 2023.
The Lagos ADC, opened in 2019, aimed to tap into African engineering talent and develop products used globally. Despite initial ambitions, Microsoft parted ways with its core engineering team, leaving the future of the Lagos facility uncertain.
The fate of remaining staff and operations is unclear. Speculation suggests a potential closure, mirroring recent decisions such as Microsoft Xbox’s closure of gaming studios.
While reasons for the layoffs remain undisclosed, they occur within a context of broader economic challenges in Nigeria, impacting foreign businesses.
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