Bill Gates Pledges Majority of $200 Billion Philanthropy Drive to Africa's Health and Development

 

At the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates reaffirmed his foundation’s long-standing commitment to Africa by announcing that the bulk of its $200 billion philanthropic investment over the next two decades will be directed towards the continent. Speaking to a distinguished audience of African leaders, health experts, youth advocates, and development partners, Gates said the funding will focus primarily on health, development, and local innovation.

The event, held at Nelson Mandela Hall, marked a significant milestone in the foundation’s history of engagement with Africa. Gates, who chairs the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, declared that the continent’s urgent needs and immense potential demand targeted investment, especially in areas that can deliver transformative outcomes.

Recent years have seen African governments make considerable strides in public health, particularly in strengthening primary healthcare systems. Gates praised these efforts and called for even greater investment in early childhood nutrition, maternal health, and disease prevention as key levers in breaking long-standing cycles of poverty and illness.

Addressing the room, he said, “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.”

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed recognized Gates’ contribution to the continent’s progress by awarding him the country’s highest state honour. The accolade came in recognition of the Gates Foundation’s 25-year track record in critical development sectors such as health, education, and agricultural support.

Countries like Nigeria, Rwanda, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Zambia were highlighted as models of progress where government action and innovative thinking are driving impactful change. From deploying AI-enabled ultrasound in Rwanda to reduce maternal mortality, to Nigeria’s ongoing reform of its primary healthcare system, Gates emphasized that local solutions are making a difference and should be scaled further.

Nutrition emerged as a recurring theme throughout Gates’ speech. He underscored that a child’s developmental trajectory begins long before birth. “Helping the mother be healthy and have great nutrition before she gets pregnant, while she is pregnant, delivers the strongest results,” he explained. “Ensuring the child receives good nutrition in their first four years as well makes all the difference.”

The speech also touched on the role of technology in addressing healthcare gaps. Gates described artificial intelligence as a “transformative force” for the future of Africa, particularly as the continent has already demonstrated its capacity to leapfrog through mobile banking and digital infrastructure.

“Africa’s young innovators are already thinking about how AI can be applied to solve local problems,” he noted. “Now is the time to imagine how AI can be integrated into healthcare systems, education, and even governance.”

He pointed to Rwanda as a trailblazer in this regard, where AI-powered medical diagnostics are improving prenatal care. Nigeria is also set to play a key role in shaping the intersection of AI and healthcare, with Gates expected to meet President Bola Tinubu later in the week. He will also speak at the “Goalkeepers Nigeria” summit, which aims to accelerate innovation across key sectors.

This recent announcement builds on a prior commitment made in May, in which the Gates Foundation pledged to direct $200 billion over 20 years to end preventable maternal and child deaths, fight deadly infectious diseases, and create pathways out of poverty.

Since its first African office opened in Ethiopia 13 years ago, the Gates Foundation has expanded its presence across the continent, establishing operations in Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, and Senegal. It has supported more than 100 innovations and is credited with helping save over 80 million lives—many through partnerships with organisations like Gavi and the Global Fund.

The event concluded with a fireside chat between Gates and Paulin Basinga, the foundation’s Africa director. Their conversation centred on how governments can foster environments where local innovators can thrive and solve pressing challenges from within.

Additional speakers, such as World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, commended African governments for their progress in health and development. Okonjo-Iweala highlighted the role of partnerships and strong political will, saying the continent’s success is rooted in community resilience and forward-thinking leadership.

Bill Gates’ renewed focus on Africa signals not only a shift in philanthropic strategy but also a deep confidence in the continent’s ability to shape its future. The call to invest in people, ideas, and systems was both a rallying cry and a challenge to leaders and innovators alike: the path forward lies in bold action and shared responsibility.