Bill Gates Pledges Majority Of $200 Billion Commitment To Africa’s Health And Development

In a powerful address at the African Union’s Nelson Mandela Hall, Gates Foundation Chair Bill Gates pledged to direct the majority of his $200 billion commitment over the next 20 years to Africa, partnering with governments that prioritise health, education, and innovation. 

His remarks, delivered to over 12,000 attendees including officials, diplomats, and youth leaders, marked a rallying call for a renewed focus on primary healthcare, sustainable development, and technology-driven solutions.

“I recently made a commitment that my wealth will be given away over the next 20 years,” Gates said. “The majority of that funding will be spent on helping you address challenges here in Africa.”

Gates stressed the importance of investing in human potential, particularly through healthcare and education, as the pathway to prosperity. He highlighted the achievements of countries like Ethiopia, Rwanda, Nigeria, Zambia, and Zimbabwe in driving progress through bold leadership and innovative strategies, even amid fiscal pressures and global aid shifts.

“By unleashing human potential through health and education, every country in Africa should be on a path to prosperity – and that path is an exciting thing to be part of,” Gates said.

A key message in his speech was the need to strengthen primary healthcare systems. Gates emphasised that supporting maternal health and early childhood nutrition yields the greatest long-term impact. “With primary healthcare, what we’ve learned is that helping the mother be healthy and have great nutrition before she gets pregnant, while she is pregnant, delivers the strongest results. Ensuring the child receives good nutrition in their first four years as well makes all the difference,” he said.

His remarks were echoed by prominent African leaders, including Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, WTO Director-General, and UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed. Mrs Graça Machel described the current period as “a moment of crisis” and lauded Gates’ deep-rooted partnership with Africa as a symbol of enduring collaboration and respect for local leadership and innovation.

Dr. Okonjo-Iweala credited Africa’s health gains to strong government action, resilient communities, and results-driven partnerships. She and other leaders welcomed Gates’ focus on cooperation, especially in light of global funding uncertainty.

Gates also spotlighted the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, calling on Africa to integrate emerging technologies into its development strategies. He commended countries like Rwanda for pioneering AI applications in healthcare, such as AI-enabled ultrasounds that detect high-risk pregnancies early.

Gates said, “I’ve always been inspired by the hard work of Africans even in places with very limited resources.” He added, “The kind of field work to get solutions out, even in the most rural areas, has been incredible. Rwanda is using AI to improve service delivery. E.g. AI-enabled ultrasound, to identify high-risk pregnancies earlier, helping women receive timely, potentially life-saving care.”

Following his address, Gates joined Dr. Paulin Basinga, the Gates Foundation’s Africa Director, for a discussion on building sustainable partnerships. The foundation, with offices in Ethiopia, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Senegal, continues to deepen its presence on the continent.

During his visit, Gates met with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and participated in a roundtable on Ethiopia’s double-fortified salt initiative. He also heard how Ethiopia is sustaining the momentum on critical reforms, expanding essential services, and remaining resilient amid shifting global aid dynamics. He will continue to Nigeria to meet President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and engage in events focused on health innovation and Nigeria’s AI strategy.

This trip follows the foundation’s May 8 announcement of a $200 billion pledge over 20 years to end preventable maternal and child deaths, combat infectious diseases, and lift millions out of poverty. The foundation plans to sunset after this period, aiming to make transformative progress in its lifetime.

Over the past two decades, the Gates Foundation has contributed to saving more than 80 million lives through partnerships with organisations like Gavi and the Global Fund, while supporting over 100 innovations to improve global health outcomes.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works with partners to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, the foundation focuses on improving health, empowering women and girls, and increasing access to opportunity. Headquartered in Seattle, it is led by CEO Mark Suzman under the guidance of Bill Gates and the board of trustees.

Melissa Enoch

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