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Microsoft has terminated employees and closed its Africa Development Centre (ADC) in Lagos, Nigeria.
A former employee, speaking anonymously to The Cable, confirmed the layoffs and facility closure. The reasons for the abrupt decision remain unknown.
This development comes a mere four years after Microsoft established operations in Nigeria.
The ADC was billed as a major initiative to develop innovative technology solutions with local relevance and global scalability while fostering employment and tech development on the continent.
Microsoft's initial announcement in May 2019 included plans for ADCs in both Nigeria and Kenya, recruiting talented engineers for work in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and mixed reality. The company pledged a $100 million investment over the first five years.
The Lagos facility officially opened in March 2022, housing product engineering, ecosystem development, and innovation teams.
The centre also included Microsoft Garage, a program supporting innovation within the tech ecosystem.
