In what is being hailed as one of the most significant philanthropic commitments of the century, billionaire philanthropist and co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates, has announced that the majority of his $200 billion pledge over the next 20 years will be focused on transforming healthcare and development in Africa.
Speaking at the Nelson Mandela Hall within the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Monday, Gates emphasized the continent’s enormous potential and the critical need to invest in primary healthcare, education, and economic opportunities.
“I recently made a commitment that my wealth will be given away over the next 20 years. The majority of that funding will be spent on helping you address challenges here in Africa,” Gates told a high-level audience that included African leaders, youth innovators, development partners, and healthcare professionals.
The announcement comes on the heels of his recognition by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who awarded Gates the nation’s highest state honour for his 25 years of contribution to development across Africa.
Why Africa?
Gates cited examples from Ethiopia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Zambia, where leadership, innovation, and strategic partnerships are driving meaningful progress. He stressed that investing in primary healthcare—especially maternal and child nutrition—delivers the most powerful, long-lasting impact.
“Helping a mother be healthy and well-nourished before and during pregnancy ensures the child’s best start. And ensuring proper nutrition in the first four years of life makes all the difference,” Gates noted.
The Foundation’s work has already contributed to saving over 80 million lives globally, with much of that success rooted in its African initiatives, in collaboration with global partners like Gavi and the Global Fund.
The Role of AI and Youth Innovation
Gates also spotlighted the transformative power of artificial intelligence, pointing to how countries like Rwanda are already using AI-enabled ultrasounds to detect high-risk pregnancies, significantly improving maternal care.
“I’m seeing young people in Africa embracing AI and applying it to the problems they want to solve. This is inspiring and promising for the continent’s future,” he said.
He urged African leaders to envision a future where AI is integrated into public health, education, and governance systems, just as mobile banking revolutionized access to finance.
Nigeria on the Agenda
The philanthropist is scheduled to visit Nigeria later this week for meetings with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and to participate in the “Goalkeepers Nigeria” event. Discussions will center on primary healthcare reforms and Nigeria’s national AI strategy—key elements of the country’s transformation plan.
A Pan-African Commitment
With offices in Ethiopia, Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal, and South Africa, the Gates Foundation has been working across Africa for over two decades, supporting over 100 life-saving innovations.
Following his keynote, Gates joined Dr. Paulin Basinga, Africa Director for the Foundation, in a fireside chat exploring how African governments can collaborate more closely with local innovators to deliver sustainable impact.
Global Endorsements
Speaking at the same event, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed praised African governments for their resilience, innovation, and progress in advancing public health.
Okonjo-Iweala noted,
“Africa’s development gains are not just due to aid—they’re a result of strong government leadership, community resilience, and partnerships that focus on measurable results.”
With this new pledge, Bill Gates has once again placed Africa at the center of the global development agenda, igniting hope across the continent that with the right partnerships and leadership, lasting change is possible.
Stay connected with All Times Global Magazine for updates on the Gates Foundation’s initiatives across Africa and how they shape the future of global health and prosperity.
