Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, has announced that most of his wealth will be dedicated to improving health and education across Africa over the next two decades.
The 69-year-old emphasized that unlocking human potential through better healthcare and education can set every African country on a path toward prosperity.
Speaking in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Gates encouraged young African innovators to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be used to enhance healthcare on the continent.
Last month, Gates revealed plans to donate 99% of his fortune, expected to reach $200 billion by 2045, which coincides with when his foundation intends to conclude its work.
“I recently pledged to distribute my wealth over the next 20 years, with the majority aimed at helping tackle challenges here in Africa,” he said during a speech at the African Union headquarters.
Mozambique’s former First Lady, Graça Machel, praised Gates’ commitment, describing it as timely during a period of crisis.
Her remarks come amid reductions in US aid to Africa, including HIV/AIDS programs, driven by President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy, which has raised concerns about healthcare’s future on the continent.
Gates noted that his foundation, with a long-standing presence in Africa, will prioritize improving primary healthcare services.
He stressed the importance of maternal health and nutrition before and during pregnancy, as well as ensuring proper nutrition for children’s first four years, as critical factors in delivering positive health outcomes.
Addressing young innovators, Gates highlighted how mobile technology revolutionized banking in Africa and urged them to incorporate AI in developing next-generation healthcare systems.
He pointed to Rwanda as a leading example, where AI-powered ultrasound technology is already being used to detect high-risk pregnancies.
The Gates Foundation has outlined three main goals: ending preventable maternal and child deaths, protecting the next generation from deadly infectious diseases, and lifting millions out of poverty.
The foundation plans to wind down operations after 20 years.
Gates has accelerated his philanthropic efforts, stating in a recent blog post that he is determined not to be remembered as someone who “died rich.”
Even after donating 99% of his wealth, Bloomberg estimates Gates would remain a billionaire.
Gates co-founded Microsoft with Paul Allen in 1975, building it into a major technology powerhouse. He gradually stepped away from day-to-day roles, stepping down as CEO in 2000 and chairman in 2014.
Inspired by philanthropists like Warren Buffett, Gates has dedicated much of his life to charitable causes.
However, some critics argue that his foundation exploits its charitable status to avoid taxes and wields excessive influence over global health policies.
BBC
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