Global e-commerce giant Amazon has announced plans to cut approximately 14,000 corporate jobs as part of a sweeping restructuring aimed at accelerating its artificial intelligence (AI) transformation.
The company disclosed the move in a statement on Tuesday, describing AI as “the most transformative technology since the internet” and emphasizing its commitment to becoming leaner and more tech-driven.
Beth Galetti, Amazon’s Senior Vice President of People Experience and Technology, said the layoffs would affect roles across administrative, sales, and executive functions.
Affected employees will receive severance packages, health benefits, and a 90-day window to reapply for internal positions.
“This decision, though difficult, is necessary to streamline operations and focus on our biggest bets,” Galetti said. “AI is reshaping how we work, and Amazon must evolve to remain competitive.”
The layoffs represent roughly 4% of Amazon’s global corporate workforce and follow a previous round of 22,000 job cuts in 2022.
Industry analysts say the move signals a broader trend among tech companies to reduce human labor in favor of automation and AI-driven systems.
Amazon currently operates over 1,000 generative AI services and is investing heavily in infrastructure to support its expansion.
In Nigeria, tech experts have urged local startups to monitor global shifts in AI adoption, noting that similar restructuring could influence employment patterns and innovation strategies in emerging markets.
“This is a wake-up call for African tech ecosystems,” said Dr. Ifeoma Okonkwo, a Lagos-based AI researcher. “We must prepare our workforce for the future of intelligent systems.”
Ravenewsonline reports that Amazon’s restructuring comes amid strong financial performance, with the company posting record profits in the last quarter.
However, CEO Andy Jassy has warned that efficiency and agility are key to sustaining growth in the AI era.
