Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has announced that the majority of his $200 billion fortune will be spent over the next two decades on transforming health and education across Africa.
Speaking at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa,Gates called for bold investments in human potential as the key to unlocking prosperity across the continent. “I recently made a commitment that my wealth will be given away over the next 20 years,” Gates told attendees. “The majority of that funding will be spent on helping you address challenges here in Africa.”
The 69-year-old philanthropist emphasized maternal and child health as top priorities for the Gates Foundation,along with nutrition,disease prevention,and poverty alleviation. He also urged Africa’s young innovators to harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) to build next-generation healthcare systems.
Gates’ move comes amid declining U.S. aid under President Donald Trump’s administration,raising concerns over Africa’s healthcare future.
Mozambique’s former First Lady Graça Machel praised the pledge,calling it a timely commitment during a “moment of crisis.” While the foundation has already disbursed over $100 billion globally,Gates now plans to sunset its operations by 2045. Despite giving away 99% of his wealth,Bloomberg reports Gates will likely remain a billionaire. Critics have questioned the foundation’s tax status and influence,but Gates remains resolute: “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.”
United News - unews.co.za