Microsoft Cuts AI Jobs in Israel and Closes Kenya Hub
Microsoft is restructuring its global operations, resulting in job cuts at its Israeli Copilot Studio and the closure of its Africa Development Centre in Nairobi.
Microsoft Corporation is implementing a global restructuring effort that has led to job cuts and facility closures across multiple continents. In Israel, the company is reducing staff at its Copilot Studio, a facility dedicated to developing automated AI agents for enterprise business functions. While the company stated most employees in that group will transfer to other roles, some workers will be laid off.
Simultaneously, the company is closing its Africa Development Centre in Nairobi, Kenya. The hub, which opened in March 2022 and employed over 450 engineers and product leaders, follows the 2024 closure of a similar center in Lagos, Nigeria. A company spokesperson described the move as "proposed changes" affecting the Kenyan engineering department.
In response to the Nairobi closure, Kenya's Information and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo met with a Microsoft delegation led by Jeff Bullwinkel. Kabogo advocated for the protection of local jobs and talent. While Microsoft reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Kenya and agreed to a joint action plan for AI and digital infrastructure, it has not disclosed the official closure date or the total number of affected employees.
