Bill Gates Commits $200bn Fortune to Transform Healthcare and Education in Africa

Gates aims to inspire innovation across the continent while focusing on pressing health challenges, promising to allocate most of his $200 billion fortune to Africa.

Microsoft founder Bill Gates announced a monumental commitment to allocate the majority of his $200 billion fortune towards boosting health and education in Africa over the next twenty years. During a recent speech in Ethiopia's Addis Ababa, the 69-year-old billionaire emphasized that empowering individuals through better health and education is essential to driving prosperity across the continent.

"In unleashing human potential through health and education, every African nation should be on a path to prosperity," Gates stated, addressing members of the African Union (AU). He called upon young African innovators to develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions that could significantly enhance healthcare services in their regions.

This announcement comes shortly after Gates pledged to give away 99% of his wealth by 2045, marking a decisive shift in his philanthropic focus through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He declared, "The majority of my commitment will be focused on tackling challenges here in Africa."

Former First Lady of Mozambique, Graça Machel, welcomed Gates' commitment, highlighting its importance during a time of crisis for the continent. With the reduction in U.S. aid among growing concerns regarding healthcare accessibility, Gates plans for his foundation to place special emphasis on primary healthcare improvements.

Gates stressed the importance of maternal health and nutrition before and during pregnancy, sharing that ensuring children's nutrition in their early years is crucial in leading to long-lasting health benefits. He argued for the role of technology in healthcare, noting that Africa's mobile technology revolution should now extend to AI applications in healthcare systems.

He pointed to Rwanda as a nation already benefiting from advancements in AI, such as the use of AI-enabled ultrasound technology for monitoring high-risk pregnancies. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has outlined three key priorities: ending preventable maternal and infant deaths, providing vaccinations to eliminate severe infectious diseases, and alleviating poverty for millions.

In stating his commitment to philanthropy, Gates expressed that he wishes to avoid a legacy defined by wealth, declaring, "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." Despite the significant financial contribution, experts predict that even after giving away nearly all of his fortune, Gates will still remain a billionaire, according to Bloomberg.

Since co-founding Microsoft in 1975, Gates has transitioned away from the company to dedicate his focus to philanthropy, inspired by fellow philanthropist Warren Buffett. Although some critics argue that Gates’ foundation allows him to evade taxes while exerting excessive influence over global health systems, his commitment to enhancing the well-being of health and education in Africa remains a significant endeavor.