Bill Gates has committed to directing a major portion of his $200 billion fortune toward development efforts across Africa, with a strong emphasis on healthcare, education, and economic growth. The announcement came during a keynote address delivered at the African Union’s Nelson Mandela room, where Gates spoke to an audience of government officials, health experts, civil society leaders, and international diplomats.
In his speech, Gates revealed that over the next two decades, his entire personal wealth would be allocated to philanthropic efforts—with Africa set to receive the largest share. “I’ve recently committed to giving away all of my fortune in the next 20 years,” he said. “The majority of these funds will be devoted to helping address the challenges here, in Africa.”
Gates outlined a strategic focus on strengthening primary healthcare systems, improving maternal and child nutrition, and expanding access to quality education. He emphasized that interventions during early childhood are especially critical to long-term outcomes. “What we’ve seen is that ensuring a mother is healthy and well-nourished before and during pregnancy—and providing good nutrition to a child in their first four years—can transform their entire life trajectory,” he noted.
One of the key innovations discussed during his address was the application of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Gates highlighted Rwanda as a leading example, where AI technologies are being used to improve maternal care by enhancing pregnancy monitoring and diagnosis. He linked these advancements to Africa’s rapid adoption of digital tools, especially mobile money platforms, which he described as a model for future health solutions powered by technology.
The Microsoft co-founder also announced that he and his team would continue engaging directly with African leaders to assess ongoing initiatives and explore opportunities for deeper collaboration. His current tour includes visits to Ethiopia and Nigeria, where he plans to meet heads of state, public health officials, and technology innovators.
In Nigeria, Gates is scheduled to hold talks with President Bola Tinubu and both federal and state authorities. He will also meet with research teams developing digital health tools and participate in the Goalkeepers Nigeria event—a platform that showcases innovative approaches to national development.
Over the past 20 years, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has established a robust presence across Africa. With offices in Addis Ababa, Johannesburg, Dakar, Nairobi, and Lagos, the foundation works closely with local governments, research institutions, and community-based organizations. These partnerships have supported initiatives in vaccine distribution, agricultural productivity, educational reform, and more.
Gates’ latest pledge signals a long-term commitment to supporting Africa’s development agenda through locally driven and scalable solutions. By aligning his philanthropic strategy with national priorities and emerging technologies, he aims to contribute meaningfully to the continent’s progress over the next generation.