Africa: Bill Gates Pledges Majority of $200 Billion Foundation Fund to Africa's Future

Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates announced a major funding initiative for Africa. His foundation will allocate $200 billion over the next 20 years. This funding aims to improve health and development across the continent.

Mr. Gates spoke at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He emphasized that Africa would receive the largest share of this funding due to its potential and urgent needs.

"I recently committed to giving away my wealth over 20 years," he said. "Most of that will help address challenges here in Africa." He addressed an audience of African leaders, health professionals, youth representatives, and development partners.

Mr. Gates praised African governments prioritizing citizen health and well-being. He called for more investment in primary healthcare systems. "Investing in primary healthcare has the greatest impact on health," he noted.

He explained that strong maternal and child nutrition support helps break cycles of poverty and disease. On Sunday, Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed awarded Mr. Gates a state honor for his foundation's work over 25 years.

During his speech, Mr. Gates highlighted local innovations in countries like Ethiopia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Zambia. He pointed out successful initiatives such as scaling up frontline health services and using data to reduce child mortality.

"With primary healthcare, helping mothers be healthy delivers strong results," he said. "Good nutrition for children in their first four years makes all the difference."

Mr. Gates also discussed artificial intelligence's potential for transforming healthcare in Africa. "Young people are embracing AI to solve problems," he stated.

He urged leaders to integrate AI into healthcare and governance systems. For example, Rwanda uses AI-enabled ultrasound technology to detect high-risk pregnancies early.

Later this week, Mr. Gates will meet with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu during his visit to Nigeria. They will discuss scaling innovation related to Nigeria's primary healthcare reform agenda and national AI strategy.

This visit follows the announcement that the Gates Foundation will spend $200 billion over 20 years on various initiatives aimed at ending preventable maternal and child deaths.

Africa has been a focus of the Gates Foundation for over two decades now. The foundation opened its first office in Ethiopia 13 years ago and has since expanded to Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Senegal.

During this time, it has supported over 100 innovations and saved more than 80 million lives through partnerships with Gavi and the Global Fund against AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.

After his address, Mr. Gates participated in a discussion with Paulin Basinga from the Gates Foundation about collaboration between governments and local innovators.

Other speakers included Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala from the World Trade Organisation and UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed. Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala praised African governments for their progress in public health through strong leadership and resilient communities.