Starting April 1, 2025, operations of multinational technology company, IBM, in 36 select African countries, including Nigeria, will be managed by MIBB, a subsidiary of Lebanon-based Midis Group.
This clarification came on the heels of stories making the rounds that the American company is exiting Nigeria and other African countries. The company maintains that its operations will still be running, but to be handled by Midis Group subsidiary, MIBB.
With over 50 years’ experience in IT distribution, Midis Group operates about 170 companies across 70 countries in Europe, the Middle East & Africa offering managed IT services and consultancy.
IBM stated that MIBB would be responsible for marketing and selling IBM products and services across multiple countries in the region.
The statement from IBM read in part: “IBM is partnering with MIBB to launch an alternative operating model in select parts of Africa starting April 1, 2025.
“Through this new model, IBM will operate in certain African countries through MIBB to empower partners to accelerate client innovation with IBM products and services,” the company stated.
IBM highlighted MIBB’s deep knowledge of the African market and its ability to scale operations as key factors in selecting it as a regional partner.
Under this arrangement, MIBB will take over IBM’s local operations, customer support, and relationships while marketing and selling IBM products and services across 36 African nations.
“MIBB will market and sell IBM products and services in 36 African countries, thereby giving MIBB’s sales network direct access to IBM products, services, and support, further boosting innovation and growth in the region,” IBM stated.
No reason was given for the company’s departure from Nigeria and other 35 African countries.
Having operated in Africa for more than six decades, IBM has shaped critical sectors including banking, telecommunications, oil, gas, and government. The company’s 2014 launch of an Innovation Centre in Lagos aimed to accelerate West African business development and IT skills training.
The exit comes as cloud adoption surges across Africa. Nigeria’s cloud usage is projected to triple over the next decade, potentially contributing ₦30.2 trillion to the economy by 2033, according to Telecom Advisory Services.
