Microsoft shrinks its office in Lagos two months after laying off ADC engineering team. With the likelihood of not renewing its tenancy in 2025 when its current agreement expires.
At the time of the ADC layoffs, Microsoft indicated that workforce adjustments were necessary as part of managing its business. However, it also emphasized its continued commitment to Africa’s growth and development.
Meanwhile, TechCabal reported that engineers who stayed on the team have been asked to relocate to Kenya to join new projects.
In 2019, Microsoft set up its African Development Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, and Nairobi, Kenya, to expand its engineering talent pool, enhance student and community engagements, and invest towards Microsoft programmes.
Five years later, it has laid off its Nigeria ADC and is relocating engineers still on the team to Kenya. In March 2023, Microsoft Kenya laid off several employees at its Africa Development Centre, Nairobi, reportedly impacting at least 20 employees.
Recently, Microsoft made new digital investments in Kenya in collaboration with G42, an artificial intelligence (AI) firm, to build a data centre and establish an East African Innovation Lab in Nairobi, among other initiatives with an initial $1 billion investment.
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Aside from Microsoft, another tech giant, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Made a similar move in June 2024, reducing its office space at the Kings Tower building in Ikoyi, Lagos to introduce desk sharing. This came after Meta laid off about 35 people in Nigeria, including its engineering team of up to 24 employees.
