International Business Machines (IBM), the American technology giant, has officially exited Nigeria and other African markets, including Ghana, as part of a strategic shift in its operations. The company announced that it will transfer its business activities in these regions to MIBB, a subsidiary of the multinational IT and telecommunications conglomerate, Midis Group.
Under the new arrangement, MIBB will take over IBM’s regional functions, assuming responsibility for marketing and selling IBM products and services across 36 African countries. IBM stated that the partnership will provide MIBB’s sales network with direct access to IBM’s technology, services, and support, which the company believes will foster innovation and business growth across the region.
IBM’s decision to leave Nigeria comes amid a broader trend of multinational corporations reducing their footprint or exiting the market due to economic and regulatory challenges. In 2024, Guinness pulled out of the country, while Meta and Microsoft scaled back their office presence, opting for a remote-first approach and desk-sharing arrangements.
IBM’s exit marks the end of over five decades of operations in Nigeria. Since the 1960s, the company has played a pivotal role in the country’s technology sector, beginning with its support for digital education at the University of Ibadan.
Over the years, IBM has been a key player in Nigeria’s digital transformation, providing IT infrastructure and consulting services across industries such as banking, telecommunications, oil and gas, government, and education. Its presence contributed significantly to developing the country’s tech ecosystem, supporting businesses with enterprise solutions and capacity-building initiatives.
IBM’s departure reflects ongoing economic difficulties that have prompted global companies to reconsider their investments in Nigeria. Factors such as foreign exchange volatility, policy uncertainty, and operational costs have made it increasingly challenging for businesses to maintain a stable presence.
However, the transition to MIBB suggests that IBM’s technology and services will remain accessible to Nigerian businesses, albeit under a different corporate structure. The Midis Group, which has a presence across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, is expected to manage IBM’s customer relationships and ensure continuity for clients relying on IBM’s enterprise solutions
As Nigeria’s economy faces increasing pressure, the exit of major corporations raises questions about the country’s attractiveness for foreign investment. While IBM’s brand will continue to be available through MIBB, the company’s physical withdrawal signals a shift in the way global tech firms operate in Africa.
For Nigeria’s technology sector, IBM’s departure serves as both a challenge and an opportunity—prompting local companies and startups to step up innovation while also highlighting the need for policies that foster a more favorable business environment for foreign investment.
