US technology giant Microsoft has opened its first African Development Centre (ADC) in Lagos, Nigeria. It was announced on Monday by Bashir Ahmad, the personal assistant to the Nigerian president via his Twitter account. Thus, the country becomes the first in Africa to host such a centre of the multi-billionaire Bill Gate.
The African Development Centre (ADC) in Lagos, Nigeria, is a $100 million (CFAF 59.4 billion) investment by the American multinational Microsoft. Indeed, this centre will allow this technology giant to get closer to the African continent. The 7th largest technology facility in the world will be dedicated to the development of technology and engineering solutions for Africa and the world. A major project that puts Africa, and Nigeria in particular, at the centre of digital and advanced technologies.
Africa meets high technology
The challenge of setting up this centre is indeed to absorb African technological talent and to fight against youth unemployment. This will be complemented by the development of innovative solutions in the areas of FinTech, AgriTech and OffGrid energy, all of which are rapidly developing sectors on the African continent. Michael Fortin, Microsoft’s corporate vice-president, says the firm intends to recruit exceptional engineering talent across the continent first. Around 100 young engineers and developers will be recruited by the American technology giant to develop innovative solutions, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence.
As a reminder, a few years ago, Microsoft had already announced the creation of two African centres in Nigeria and Kenya. The aim is to develop innovative technologies, not only for Africa, but for the whole world. Subsequently, the company launched a call for talented engineers to work on artificial intelligence, machine learning and mixed reality. So, Africa must fully engage in the development of its digital economy in order to take advantage of new technologies. This is to break away from traditional models and increase its economic growth. Microsoft is therefore planning to launch several projects in the coming months to strengthen innovation on the continent. Thus, this vision supports the continent’s recent efforts in technology and digital innovation.
