IBM has officially ended its operations in Nigeria, Ghana, and other African markets, shifting its regional responsibilities to MIBB, a subsidiary of Midis Group, a multinational IT and telecom conglomerate. This transition, set to take effect on April 1, 2025, is part of IBM’s new operational strategy for select African countries.
MIBB will now handle the marketing, sales, and support of IBM’s software, hardware, cloud, and consulting solutions across 36 African nations. This partnership aims to drive innovation and business growth, with MIBB assuming control of local customer relationships and technical support.
IBM, a key player in West Africa’s tech industry for over 50 years, has been instrumental in sectors such as banking, telecommunications, and government infrastructure. However, growing competition from Dell and Huawei has reduced IBM’s market share, particularly in Nigeria’s financial sector, where its high-end computing solutions were widely used.
The exit from Africa follows IBM’s broader financial challenges, with the company reporting declining consulting and infrastructure revenues in 2024, despite a 1% overall revenue increase driven by strong software sales. Looking ahead, IBM anticipates at least 5% revenue growth in 2025, fueled by projected free cash flow of $13.5 billion.
While the shift to MIBB may introduce new growth opportunities, it also raises concerns for businesses and government institutions that relied on IBM’s technology and expertise. The full impact of this transition will become clearer in the coming months as the African tech ecosystem adapts to the change.
