ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – Bill Gates will direct the majority of his unprecedented $200 billion philanthropic pledge over the next 20 years toward Africa’s development, declaring the continent central to his foundation’s final mission before sunsetting in 2045.
The announcement came during a June 2, 2025, address at the African Union’s Nelson Mandela Hall, where Gates urged leaders to harness innovation amid global headwinds.
“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 12,000+ attendees, including heads of state, health workers, and youth innovators. He emphasized partnerships with governments prioritizing health and wellbeing, framing Africa’s rise as inevitable:
“By unleashing human potential through health and education, every country in Africa should be on a path to prosperity – and that path is an exciting thing to be part of.”
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Why Africa? Gates’ strategic focus
- Country-Led Success Stories:
Gates spotlighted Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Nigeria for deploying AI-driven health tools, data-driven child mortality reduction, and sustaining primary care despite aid cuts. In Rwanda, AI-enabled ultrasounds now identify high-risk pregnancies earlier, saving mothers’ lives. - AI as Africa’s “Mobile Banking Moment”:
Gates drew parallels to Africa’s fintech revolution:
“Africa largely skipped traditional banking and now you have a chance, as you build your next-generation healthcare systems, to think about how AI is built into that.”
He praised young African innovators leveraging AI for local solutions – a trend amplified by initiatives like South Africa’s 4IR Online Seminar.
- Primary Healthcare as Anchor:
“Investing in primary healthcare has the greatest impact… Ensuring the child receives good nutrition in their first four years makes all the difference.”
African Leaders’ Response
- Graça Machel: Called this “a moment of crisis,” praising Gates’ “respect for African leadership, ideas and innovation.”
- Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: Credited “strong government leadership and resilient communities” for progress.
On the Ground: Gates’ Africa Tour
- Ethiopia: Met PM Abiy Ahmed; reviewed iodine-fortified salt initiatives to combat malnutrition.
- Nigeria: Meeting President Tinubu (June 3–4) to advance primary healthcare reforms and co-host the Goalkeepers AI innovation summit in Lagos.
Foundation’s Legacy & Future
- $7+ billion committed to Africa since 2000.
- 80+ million lives saved via partnerships with Gavi and the Global Fund.
- Offices in Ethiopia, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Senegal deepen local ties.
The pledge, first announced May 8, 2025, aims to:
- End preventable maternal/child deaths.
- Eradicate deadly infectious diseases.
- Lift millions from poverty by 2045.
Reflecting on his 20-year engagement, Gates noted:
“I’ve always been inspired by the hard work of Africans even in places with very limited resources. The kind of field work to get solutions out, even in the most rural areas, has been incredible.”
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