Bill Gates pledges bulk of $200bn fortune to Africa’s development
Bill Gates, co-chair of the Gates Foundation, has announced that the majority of his pledged $200 billion wealth will be channeled into addressing development challenges in Africa over the next two decades.
Speaking at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Gates told an audience of over 12,000 participants—including government officials, health workers, and development experts—that his focus will be on strengthening healthcare systems, advancing education, and fostering homegrown innovations across the continent.
He emphasized the importance of local leadership in achieving sustainable development and prosperity, stating, “By unleashing human potential through health and education, every country in Africa should be on a path to prosperity.”
Gates highlighted the need for increased investment in primary healthcare, noting that early interventions such as maternal nutrition and child care in the first four years of life deliver the most powerful long-term outcomes. Countries like Ethiopia, Rwanda, Nigeria, and Zambia were cited as examples making significant progress in reducing child mortality and disease burdens.
The philanthropist also praised Africa’s growing embrace of technology and artificial intelligence, citing Rwanda’s use of AI-enabled ultrasound to detect high-risk pregnancies as a model innovation. “I’m seeing young people in Africa thinking creatively about how to apply AI to local problems,” he said.
In a fireside chat following his address, Gates joined Africa Director of the Gates Foundation, Paulin Basinga, to discuss innovation and partnerships for the continent’s future. Other global figures, including WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, expressed strong support for Gates’ commitment.
Graça Machel described the current moment as critical for Africa, urging sustained collaboration to meet development goals. “Mr Gates’ long-standing partnership with Africa reflects deep respect for our leadership and ideas,” she said.
Gates is currently touring Ethiopia and Nigeria to assess ongoing projects. In Ethiopia, he met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and officials at the Ethiopian Public Health Institute. He is expected to meet President Bola Tinubu in Nigeria and discuss healthcare reforms, national AI strategies, and attend a Goalkeepers Nigeria event.
