Billionaire philanthropist and Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Mr. Bill Gates, has reaffirmed his enduring commitment to Africa, announcing that the majority of his pledged $200 billion personal fortune will be directed to the continent over the next two decades.
The announcement came during his keynote address at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, where he addressed a gathering of over 12,000 people, including African heads of state, policymakers, healthcare professionals, scientists, development partners, and youth innovators.
In a statement released by the Gates Foundation on Monday, He emphasized that Africa is central to his philanthropic priorities, especially in light of the continent’s youth population, health challenges, and capacity for innovation.
“I recently committed that my wealth will be given away over the next 20 years,” Gates said. “The majority of that funding will be spent on helping you address challenges here in Africa.”
The funds, he noted, will focus on three key areas: strengthening primary healthcare systems, leveraging artificial intelligence for medical advancement, and fostering youth-led innovation.
Gates stressed that partnership with visionary governments will be critical to creating sustainable impact. He specifically commended Nigeria, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Zambia for making data-driven investments in healthcare and reducing child mortality rates through smart policy decisions.
He pointed to AI-powered initiatives already delivering results, such as a program in Rwanda that uses ultrasound imaging powered by AI to detect high-risk pregnancies early. Gates described it as “a glimpse into Africa’s promising healthcare future,” calling on countries to embrace similar technologies.
“Just as mobile banking revolutionized financial inclusion across Africa, artificial intelligence can radically change how we deliver healthcare, especially in underserved areas,” Gates said.
READ ALSO: Bill Gates plans to give wealth away in 20 years
The philanthropist is expected to visit Nigeria and Ethiopia during his Africa tour. In Nigeria, he will attend the Goalkeepers Nigeria event, which celebrates local changemakers and highlights AI-driven projects improving healthcare access. He is also scheduled to meet with President Bola Tinubu and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia.
Several global leaders praised Gates’ continued engagement with the continent. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, applauded African governments for integrating innovation in public health. UN Deputy Secretary-General, Mrs. Amina Mohammed, echoed these sentiments, calling for greater global collaboration.
Human rights advocate and former First Lady of Mozambique, Mrs. Graça Machel, called Gates’ sustained investment a “beacon of hope” in an era of uncertainty. “We are counting on Mr. Gates’ steadfast commitment to continue walking this path of transformation alongside us,” she said.
As global attention increasingly turns to Africa’s developmental prospects, Gates’ $200 billion commitment is expected to reshape the continent’s health landscape and empower a new generation of innovators to lead the charge.
NAN
