By Africalivenews Staff
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates has announced plans to dedicate the bulk of his $200 billion fortune to transforming health and education across Africa. Speaking on Monday at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, the billionaire tech magnate expressed his belief that empowering Africa’s population through quality healthcare and education is the key to unlocking the continent’s long-term prosperity.
Gates, 69, outlined his vision to accelerate sustainable development in Africa, a region he described as “full of promise but facing daunting challenges.” He stressed the importance of investing in human capital and called on African governments, partners, and innovators to prioritize health and education systems.
“Unleashing human potential through better healthcare and education will put every country on a path to prosperity,” Gates told African leaders and youth representatives. “This is the most effective way to create long-term, inclusive growth.”
A Legacy of Giving
The billionaire philanthropist’s remarks come just weeks after he publicly declared that he intends to give away 99 percent of his fortune by 2045, the year he expects the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to wind down its operations.
In a personal blog post published in May, Gates reflected on how he wants to be remembered.
“When I die, people will say all sorts of things about me,” he wrote. “But I’m determined that one of them won’t be: ‘He died rich.’”
The Gates Foundation, launched in 2000 with his then-wife Melinda French Gates, has already disbursed more than $100 billion toward global health, education, gender equality, and agricultural development. A significant portion of this funding has targeted projects across Africa, including vaccine development, malaria prevention, and primary school improvements.
According to Bloomberg, even after donating 99 percent of his wealth, Gates—currently ranked as the fifth-richest person in the world—would still remain a billionaire, highlighting the vast scale of his resources and philanthropic reach.
Focus on Africa in a Changing World
Gates’ speech resonated at a time when the African continent is navigating major political, economic, and health-related challenges. From the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic to ongoing conflicts in parts of the continent, access to essential health and education services has been under strain.
Former First Lady of Mozambique, Graça Machel, applauded Gates’ announcement, calling it a welcome commitment during a “moment of crisis” for many African countries.
“Africa is grappling with funding gaps in critical sectors, especially health,” Machel said. “Bill Gates’ renewed commitment offers hope and practical support where it’s needed most.”
Her remarks alluded to growing concerns over declining international aid. In recent years, global funding for Africa’s healthcare programs has faced significant setbacks. Among them was a decision by former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration to reduce financial assistance to several African nations—a move that raised alarm among global health experts and policymakers.
Encouraging African Innovation in AI and Health
During his address, Gates also emphasized the role of Africa’s youth in building the continent’s future. He urged young innovators to embrace emerging technologies—particularly artificial intelligence (AI)—to revolutionize healthcare delivery.
“I encourage Africa’s next generation of thinkers, developers, and entrepreneurs to explore how artificial intelligence can solve healthcare challenges—from early diagnostics to efficient supply chains,” he said.
Gates acknowledged that while AI is often seen through the lens of large tech corporations in the West, its greatest impact could come from tailored, local applications in developing countries.
“The future belongs to those who innovate locally,” he added. “Africa’s youth are among the most creative and resilient in the world. Their ideas can change lives, not just here, but globally.”
This message echoed the broader mission of the Gates Foundation to not only provide aid but to build capacity and self-reliance among communities. The Foundation continues to fund AI and data science projects designed to combat malaria, maternal mortality, and malnutrition in sub-Saharan Africa.
Real Impact on the Ground
Over the past two decades, the Gates Foundation has partnered with governments, NGOs, and local organizations to implement life-saving interventions. Among its achievements in Africa:
- Supporting Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which has vaccinated millions of African children against preventable diseases.
- Funding the distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, contributing to a dramatic drop in malaria deaths in countries like Nigeria and Uganda.
- Backing early childhood education and literacy programs in partnership with ministries of education in countries including Ethiopia, Tanzania, and Kenya.
Despite these successes, Gates acknowledged that more work remains.
“We’ve made significant progress, but gaps remain—especially in rural areas where people are still dying from preventable diseases and where too many children don’t have access to a quality education,” he said.
He also underscored the importance of data-driven accountability and transparency in ensuring that philanthropic investments yield measurable results.
Looking Ahead
Gates’ renewed focus on Africa and his timeline to donate nearly all of his wealth by 2045 is expected to shape the next two decades of global philanthropy. While the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will gradually wind down operations, its long-term investments are designed to leave lasting impact.
The Foundation is currently transitioning leadership structures to ensure African stakeholders have a larger role in decision-making, a move welcomed by local civil society groups who have long advocated for greater representation.
As Gates concluded his speech, he returned to a central theme: that the true wealth of a nation lies in the health, education, and opportunity it provides to its people.
“When we invest in people—when we ensure they are healthy, educated, and equipped—we lay the foundation for peace, stability, and economic success,” he said. “Africa’s future is bright, and I am honored to play a part in supporting that journey.”
