Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has committed to spending most of his wealth on improving healthcare and education systems in Africa over the next two decades. Speaking in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Gates said that by investing in human potential, every African country could move toward prosperity.
The 69-year-old philanthropist, whose fortune is projected to reach \$200 billion by 2045, recently pledged to give away 99% of his wealth, stating that the majority would go toward tackling challenges across the African continent. He emphasized that his foundation will end operations by that year, having completed its mission.
Addressing the African Union, Gates called on the continent’s youth to explore how Artificial Intelligence can be used to strengthen healthcare systems. He praised mobile banking’s success across Africa and encouraged similar innovation in healthcare, citing Rwanda’s use of AI-enabled ultrasounds to detect risky pregnancies.
Gates highlighted the importance of maternal health and early childhood nutrition, noting that strong outcomes begin before pregnancy and continue through a child’s formative years. His foundation’s goals in Africa include ending preventable deaths among mothers and children, eradicating deadly infectious diseases, and reducing poverty.
The announcement was welcomed by Mozambique’s former First Lady, who said Gates’ commitment came at a time of crisis and could help transform the continent. His pledge comes as US funding for African health programmes, including HIV/AIDS treatment, faces cuts under an “America First” approach.
Despite longstanding criticisms that his foundation may exert too much influence over global health or exploit charitable tax advantages, Gates reiterated his intention to accelerate giving. He stated in a recent blog post that he wants to be remembered not for dying rich, but for contributing to meaningful change.
Gates, who co-founded Microsoft in 1975, has gradually shifted away from the company in recent decades. Inspired by fellow philanthropists, he remains focused on using his fortune to improve lives—particularly across Africa.
