Amanze Chinonye
Microsoft is planning changes to its Africa Development Centre (ADC) in Nairobi that could put hundreds of jobs at risk as the technology company restructures its global operations.
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Employees were informed of the proposed changes on Monday, Oct. 12, according to Kenyan technology news outlet CIO Africa, which cited an employee familiar with the matter. Media reports estimate that between 400 and 500 workers could be affected, although Microsoft has not confirmed the figure or provided a timeline for the changes.
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The company has linked the proposed changes to its global restructuring but has not explicitly confirmed the closure of the entire facility. It has said it will continue operating in Kenya and serving customers across the region.
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo, said he had urged Microsoft to protect local jobs and retain engineering talent during a meeting with company executives on Monday.
Microsoft announced the ADC in May 2019, naming Nairobi and Lagos as its first two engineering hubs and committing $100 million over five years to develop African technology talent. The Nairobi centre moved into dedicated offices at Dunhill Towers in Westlands in March 2022, with more than 450 engineers and product leaders reported at the time.
Its teams have contributed to Microsoft products and services, including Microsoft 365, Windows, security and developer tools. The Nairobi premises also house Microsoft Research Africa and the Microsoft Garage, but it remains unclear whether those operations will be affected.
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The proposed changes follow Microsoft’s closure of its Lagos-based ADC in 2024. The company said at the time that the decision did not affect its Kenyan operations.
In 2024, Microsoft and Abu Dhabi-based technology group G42 also announced a $1 billion initiative to support digital infrastructure, a proposed data centre and skills development in Kenya.
Microsoft has not indicated whether the Nairobi changes will affect those commitments.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
