American multinational tech giant, Microsoft Corporation, producers of computer software, personal computers and owners of other software platforms such Yahoo, Bing etc on Monday, 21st March 2022, opened its first African Development Centre (ADC) in Lagos Nigeria.
The Personal Assistant to the President Muhammadu Buhari on Digital and New Media announced this on his Twitter handle on Monday.
‘’The Microsoft, an American multinational technology corporation which produces computer software, personal computers, and related services, opens its first African Development Centre (ADC) in Lagos, Nigeria.”
The center, which will be Microsoft's first DC in Africa and 7th globally, is aimed at providing ground for development and recruitment of African engineering talents that will develop innovative solutions in the tech industry.
The areas of interest are the FinTech, AgriTech, OffGrid energy (solar, biotech).
Microsoft African Development Center is looking for innovative talents in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, mixed reality etc.
The $100 million tech hub, which was established alongside the one in Nairobi, Kenya, will be the first to be opened in Africa and is another sign of the continent’s growing importance as a global hub for talent. According to the Microsoft Corporate Vice President, Michael Fortin, who spoke during the launch of the site, the aim of Microsoft in establishing the center was to recruit “exceptional engineering talent and provide the opportunity to work on the pages technologies suitable for Kenya, Nigeria and the rest of the world.”
Fortin explained that it will enable engineers to work from the comfort of their home countries, while plugging into global engendered and development organization.