By Sama Marwan,
Microsoft founder Bill Gates announced that most of his wealth will be spent on improving health and education services in Africa over the next 20 years. The 69-year-old stated that “by unlocking human potential through health and education, every country in Africa should be on the path to prosperity.”
In a speech in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Gates also urged young African innovators to think about how to build artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to improve healthcare on the continent. Last month, Gates announced that he would donate 99% of his vast fortune—which is projected to reach $200 billion (150 billion GBP)—by 2045, the year his foundation plans to cease operations.
Gates Pledges to Direct Wealth to African Healthcare Over 20 Years
In a speech at the African Union headquarters, he said:
“I recently committed to giving away my wealth over the next 20 years. Most of this funding will be spent on helping you tackle the challenges here in Africa.”
Graca Machel, the former First Lady of Mozambique, welcomed his announcement, saying it came at a “critical moment.”
She added:
“We rely on Mr. Gates’ firm commitment to continue walking this path of transformation alongside us.”
U.S. aid to Africa—including HIV/AIDS treatment programs—has been reduced under former President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy, raising concerns about the future of healthcare on the continent.
Gates affirmed that his foundation, which has a long history of work in Africa, will focus on improving primary healthcare, stating:
“What we’ve learned is that helping a mother stay healthy and well-nourished before and during pregnancy yields the best results.”
Bill Gates Calls for Use of AI to Enhance African Healthcare
He added:
“Ensuring a child receives proper nutrition in the first four years makes a significant difference.”
Addressing young innovators, the tech billionaire noted that mobile phones revolutionized banking in Africa, and argued that it’s now time for AI to benefit the continent.
“Africa largely leapfrogged traditional banking systems. Now, you have a chance, as you build next-generation healthcare systems, to think about how to integrate AI.”
Gates pointed to Rwanda as an example, saying the country is already improving services using AI-powered ultrasound to detect high-risk pregnancies.
The Gates Foundation has declared three key priorities:
Eliminating preventable maternal and infant deaths
Ensuring the next generation grows up without suffering from deadly infectious diseases
Lifting millions out of poverty
“After 20 years, the foundation will stop operating,” the foundation said in a statement.
Last month, Gates stated he would accelerate donations through his foundation. He wrote on his blog:
“People will say many things about me when I die, but I’m determined that ‘he died rich’ won’t be one of them.”
According to Bloomberg, donating 99% of his wealth could still leave him a billionaire and the fifth richest person in the world.
Gates co-founded Microsoft with Paul Allen in 1975, which quickly became a dominant force in software and technology.
He gradually stepped back from the company in recent decades, resigning as CEO in 2000 and as chairman in 2014. Gates said he was inspired to donate by investor Warren Buffett and other philanthropists.
However, critics argue that Gates uses his foundation’s charitable status to avoid taxes, and that it wields undue influence over global health systems.
