Meta has begun another wave of job cuts, affecting 3,000 employees across Africa, Europe, and Asia. The layoffs, which started yesterday, February 10, 2024, are expected to continue until February 18, with affected employees receiving notifications from 5 a.m. local time in most countries. This latest round of job cuts follows Meta’s ongoing restructuring efforts as the company shifts its focus toward artificial intelligence and other strategic areas.
Unlike previous mass layoffs that were widely publicized, this round is being conducted more discreetly, with Meta targeting what it describes as its “lowest performers.” About 5% of the company’s global workforce will be affected. In an internal memo seen by Reuters, Meta’s Head of People, Janelle Gale, referred to these terminations as “performance-based,” indicating that the company is framing the layoffs as a measure to improve efficiency rather than a cost-cutting move.
One key distinction in this round of layoffs is that employees in certain European countries, including Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands, will be protected due to strong local labor laws. However, workers in other parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa remain vulnerable, with many bracing for job losses over the coming days.
While thousands of employees are losing their jobs, Meta is simultaneously increasing hiring in key areas. A separate internal memo from Peng Fan, Vice President of Engineering for Monetization, urged employees to help fast-track the recruitment of machine learning engineers and other high-priority engineering roles between February 11 and March 13.
This signals a clear shift in Meta’s strategy as the company prioritizes artificial intelligence for 2025 and beyond. The company has been investing heavily in AI-driven products and services, particularly in its advertising and recommendation systems, and is looking to strengthen its workforce in those areas.
This move follows broader trends in the tech industry, where companies are cutting jobs in certain departments while aggressively expanding in AI and automation. While Meta has not disclosed specific numbers regarding new hires, it is clear that roles related to AI and machine learning are now the company’s top focus.
In Africa, Meta’s presence has been shrinking over the past year, with Nigeria being a key example. Last June, the company quietly reduced its office space in Lagos after laying off at least 35 employees in mid-2023, including its entire Nigerian engineering team. At the time, Meta dismissed concerns, calling it a routine real estate review. However, the latest round of job cuts suggests that the company is scaling down its operations even further in the region.
It remains unclear how many African employees will be affected in this latest round of layoffs, but Meta’s recent track record suggests the continent may be significantly impacted. With fewer regulatory protections for workers compared to Europe, African employees could be more vulnerable to job losses.
Meta has not made any official statements regarding its long-term commitment to Africa, but its recent actions indicate a shift in priorities. Despite the continent’s growing digital economy and increasing internet penetration, Meta appears to be focusing its resources on AI development and more established markets.
This comes at a time when other global tech companies are also re-evaluating their operations in Africa. While some firms continue to invest in the region, others have scaled back due to economic uncertainties, regulatory challenges, and shifting business priorities.
For African tech professionals, the ongoing layoffs at Meta raise concerns about the future of high-paying tech jobs on the continent. While startups and other companies are still hiring, the presence of global tech giants has been a crucial driver of innovation, skills development, and job creation. If Meta continues to reduce its footprint, it could have long-term implications for Africa’s digital economy.
Meta’s latest layoffs reflect a broader restructuring strategy that began in late 2022. Since then, the company has cut thousands of jobs as it seeks to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and refocus on AI and its core advertising business.
The company has also faced increased competition, particularly from platforms like TikTok, which have disrupted the social media landscape. As Meta navigates these challenges, it is clear that its approach to staffing and investments is evolving.
For employees affected by these layoffs, the coming days will be difficult, with uncertainty surrounding severance packages and future job opportunities. For the broader industry, Meta’s actions may signal further shifts in how tech giants operate, particularly in regions like Africa, where companies have historically expanded but are now reassessing their strategies.
