Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation, announced that the majority of his $200 billion personal pledge over the next 20 years will be directed toward Africa, with a focus on innovation, health, and partnerships with governments that prioritize the wellbeing of their citizens.
Speaking at the African Union’s Nelson Mandela Hall, Gates addressed more than 12,000 government officials, diplomats, health workers, and youth leaders. “The majority of that funding will be spent on helping you address challenges here in Africa,” he said, emphasizing the need to invest in primary healthcare and human potential through health and education.
He highlighted success stories from countries like Ethiopia, Rwanda, Nigeria, and Zambia, which are using data, innovation, and resilient leadership to strengthen primary healthcare systems, reduce child mortality, and fight diseases like HIV and malaria.
Gates praised Africa’s tech-savvy youth and called on leaders to integrate artificial intelligence into healthcare systems. “Africa skipped traditional banking. Now, you have the chance to build your next-generation healthcare systems with AI at the core,” he said, citing Rwanda’s AI-enabled ultrasound technology as an example of early success.
The event also featured calls for shared responsibility from leaders including WTO Director-General Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, and advocate Graça Machel, who called the moment “a crisis” that requires sustained partnerships.
During his visit, Gates met with Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and discussed health reforms and innovations like iodine-folic acid fortified salt. He will also travel to Nigeria to meet President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, attend a Goalkeepers event, and support the country’s AI and healthcare strategies.
The visit follows the Gates Foundation’s May 8 announcement of its $200 billion pledge to end preventable maternal and child deaths, eradicate deadly infectious diseases, and lift millions out of poverty. The foundation, which has already helped save more than 80 million lives globally, plans to sunset operations after 20 years.
