Over the next 20 years, Microsoft founder Bill Gates plans to commit the majority of his wealth to advancing health and education across Africa. According to Gates, “by unleashing human potential through health and education, every country in Africa should be on a path to prosperity.”
Speaking in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, the 69-year-old also encouraged young African innovators to harness artificial intelligence (AI) to transform healthcare across the continent. Gates recently announced that by the time his foundation winds down operations in 2045, he will have donated 99 percent of his estimated $200 billion (£150 billion) fortune.
“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,” he stated during a speech at the African Union (AU) headquarters.
His announcement, made during what he described as a “moment of crisis,” was welcomed by Graça Machel, the former First Lady of Mozambique.
“We are counting on Mr. Gates’ steadfast commitment to continue walking this path of transformation alongside us,” she said.
Concerns about Africa’s healthcare future have risen following funding cuts to programs—including HIV/AIDS treatment—under US President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy. Against this backdrop, Gates emphasized that improving primary healthcare would remain the core focus of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which has a long history of supporting health initiatives across the continent.
“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,” Gates explained.
He highlighted Rwanda as an example, where AI-enabled ultrasound is being used to detect high-risk pregnancies and improve maternal care. The Gates Foundation outlined three core goals: eliminating preventable maternal and infant deaths, eradicating deadly infectious diseases for future generations, and helping millions escape poverty.
“At the end of 20 years, the foundation will sunset its operations,” a statement read. Gates also confirmed last month that the foundation would accelerate its charitable giving.
“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 wrote in a blog post.
Despite plans to give away 99 percent of his wealth, Gates, currently the fifth-richest person in the world, could remain a billionaire, according to Bloomberg.
Gates co-founded Microsoft with Paul Allen in 1975, and the company quickly rose to global prominence in software and technology. Over the years, Gates has gradually stepped back from corporate leadership, resigning as CEO in 2000 and chairman in 2014. He credits philanthropist Warren Buffett and other influential investors for inspiring his deepening commitment to giving.
However, critics of the Gates Foundation argue that it wields disproportionate influence over the global health system and uses its nonprofit status to reduce tax obligations.
By Najat Adamu
