Microsoft launches Lagos Development Centre, as Sanwo-Olu drums support

American technology giant, Microsoft Corporation, has officially launched its Lagos Development Centre, which is now ready to swing into full operations. Ten Nigerian software engineers have already been selected.

The Backstory: Niarametrics earlier reported that Microsoft Corporation established two Development Centres situated in Nigeria and Kenya. The total cost of the investments was put at $100 million.

We also reported that Microsoft plans to hire highly-qualified software engineers to develop the technologies suitable for Nigeria. Meanwhile, ten new Nigerian recruits were presented to flag off Microsoft operations.

Microsoft new hires in Lagos. Software Engineers 🔥🔥🔥🔥🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀 pic.twitter.com/L4XRgVXPJu

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— Odogwu Machalla (@unicodeveloper) May 17, 2019

Lagos to be a global hub: According to a video clip obtained by Nairametrics from its Twitter handle, Microsoft‘s Head of Mixed Reality and AI, Alex Kipman, stated that the focus in Nigeria is mixed reality services. In other words, the engineers at the Lagos outfit will focus on solutions that make mixed reality devices from phones to tablets. This will, therefore, make Lagos the scale of such service worldwide.

The engineers at the #MicrosoftADC site in Lagos, Nigeria will focus on creating mixed reality solutions. @akipman explains 👇 pic.twitter.com/vf0HU8beo7

— Microsoft Nigeria (@MicrosoftNG) May 17, 2019

Governor-elect declares support: Present during the Microsoft Lagos ADC launching was Lagos State Governor-Elect, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, who expressed his readiness to create enabling environment for the centre. Commenting further, the Governor-Elect stressed that international partnerships will be a priority for his administration.

Congratulations to the @MicrosoftNG team on the launch of the #MicrosoftADC in Lagos.

I am passionate about how technology will help us build a 21st century economy and ensuring an enabling environment for local and international partnerships will definitely be a priority. pic.twitter.com/PnVaakJKsm

— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) May 17, 2019

“Technology is one of the things required to leapfrog the economy and to take the state and the country to the next level.

“Microsoft has come to validate this, I will make sure the environment is conducive for Microsoft to operate. Looking at the 10 Nigerians recruited, i can see diversity in them to champion the microsoft ai vision”

Thank you Lagos for your warm welcome of the #MicrosoftADC!
We are excited for this next chapter! pic.twitter.com/pDxWy9Tv5f

— Microsoft Nigeria (@MicrosoftNG) May 17, 2019

The Upshots: The Development Centre will serve as a premier centre of engineering for Microsoft, building world-class talent capable of creating innovative solutions for local and global impact. It is expected to establish a collaborative engineering springboard for new technology investments.

Earlier, while commenting on the plans for the Africa Development Centres, Microsoft‘s Vice President for Gaming, Phil Spencer, stressed;

“THE Centre WILL BE UNLIKE ANY OTHER EXISTING INVESTMENT ON THE CONTINENT. IT WILL HELP US BETTER LISTEN TO OUR CUSTOMERS, DEVELOP LOCALLY AND SCALE FOR GLOBAL IMPACT.

“BEYOND THAT, IT’S AN OPPORTUNITY TO ENGAGE FURTHER WITH AFRICAN PARTNERS, ACADEMIA, GOVERNMENTS AND DEVELOPERS – DRIVING IMPACT AND INNOVATION IN SECTORS IMPORTANT TO AFRICA.”