I pondered a while ago over the news of Microsoft potentially shutting down its Lagos-based African Development Centre (ADC) operations to see if there’s more than meets the eye.
Microsoft’s plan has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s tech scene. As with any juicy gist, speculation is rampant – from government shakedown whispers to the rising cost of keeping the lights on.
On the surface, it’s a massive blow. Two hundred potential tech jobs vanish, and a beacon of innovation might dim. This isn’t just about fancy offices – it’s about empowering young Nigerians with skills to build the future. As our Ibibio elders would say, “Ifiok ado inyene obio” (knowledge is the wealth of a community). Imagine if 20% of those who failed UTME this year could leverage Microsoft training to become software wizards – the impact would be monumental.
What is clear is this, Microsoft isn’t a charity. They wouldn’t establish an ADC in Lagos out of pure benevolence. The idea, as some argue, is that these centres foster local talent, cultivate a ripe development environment, and ultimately benefit Microsoft itself. So why close shop?
Nigerian bureaucracy can be a real thorn in the neck. Multinationals, unlike their more adaptable Chinese counterparts, might have a lower tolerance for such hassles.
But there’s another possibility. Maybe the “it’s not profitable” argument is a smokescreen. The ADC is meant for development, not immediate financial gain. Perhaps Microsoft has other plans, a strategic shift that doesn’t necessarily involve Lagos.
A few weeks ago, Microsoft founder, Bill Gates said at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Special Meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia that he was working with the Federal Government to develop what he described as a ‘one-identity’ technological platform that can integrate variegated data. I would think the ADC would have hired and trained more hands to handle this key aspect of our digital economy.
Whatever the reason, the exodus of major companies like Unilever, Sanofi, GSK and P&G is a worrying trend. It paints a picture of a harsh, stifling business environment. This should be a wake-up call for our Trade Ministry and Nigeria’s image makers. They need to find ways to make Nigeria a land of ” Andiwak ufang ye usung uforo” (abundant opportunity), not just for multinationals, but for every young hustling Nigerian with a dream and a laptop.
We need Microsoft to be transparent, to tell us in plain language why they are leaving. And then we also need to critically examine our own ecosystem. Are we creating an environment where innovation thrives, or are we chasing away the very companies that can help us build a brighter future? The ball, as they say, is in our court. Let’s play smart.