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Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates announced that he will dedicate the majority of his $200 billion fortune to transforming health and education systems in Africa over the next 20 years. Speaking at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Gates highlighted his commitment to improving the continent’s prosperity by focusing on primary healthcare and nutrition.
“At the end of 20 years, the foundation will sunset its operations,” said Gates, who previously declared he would give away 99% of his wealth by 2045. His foundation’s three key priorities in Africa include ending preventable deaths of mothers and babies, eradicating deadly infectious diseases, and lifting millions out of poverty.
Gates encouraged Africa’s young innovators to harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionize healthcare, noting Rwanda’s success with AI-driven ultrasound technology for detecting high-risk pregnancies.
Mozambique’s former First Lady, Graça Machel, welcomed the pledge, calling it timely during a moment of crisis as U.S. aid to Africa declines.
Gates emphasized that supporting maternal and child health through nutrition and healthcare access is key to driving long-term prosperity. “By unleashing human potential through health and education, every country in Africa should be on a path to prosperity,” he said.
Despite critics questioning the Gates Foundation’s influence on global health and its tax benefits, Gates remains determined to leave a lasting legacy. “People will say a lot of things about me when I die, but I am determined that ‘he died rich’ will not be one of them,” he shared.
