International Business Machines (IBM), a leading American technology company, has officially exited Nigeria and several other African nations, including Ghana. The company has announced that it will transfer its operations to a third-party firm.
IBM’s departure adds to a growing list of international companies that have either reduced or ended their presence in Nigeria. In 2024, Guinness exited, while major firms such as Meta and Microsoft scaled back their operations, opting for smaller office spaces and desk-sharing arrangements for their employees.
As part of the new arrangement, IBM will transfer its regional functions to MIBB, a subsidiary of the Midis Group. The Midis Group, a multinational conglomerate in the IT and telecommunications sectors, operates across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
In a statement, IBM noted that MIBB will now oversee the marketing and sales of IBM products and services in 36 African countries. This move is expected to grant MIBB’s sales network direct access to IBM’s offerings, further driving growth and innovation throughout the region.
IBM’s presence in Nigeria, which has lasted for over five decades, is now coming to an end. The company played a crucial role in the country’s digital development, including in the 1960s when it helped the University of Ibadan set up an educational centre aimed at building digital skills.
Over the years, IBM contributed to the development of various sectors in Nigeria, including education, banking, telecommunications, oil and gas, and government, by providing infrastructure and consultancy services.
