Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Microsoft co-founder, has pledged that the majority of the foundation’s historic $200 billion investment over the next 20 years will be dedicated to transforming healthcare systems across Africa.
Speaking at the African Union headquarters on Monday, Gates emphasized that the funding will prioritize primary healthcare, the backbone of effective health systems, aiming to curb preventable deaths and tackle long-standing public health issues.
“I’ve committed to giving away my wealth over the next two decades,” Gates announced to an audience of African leaders, healthcare experts, youth advocates, and development partners. “Most of that funding will go towards addressing health challenges here in Africa.”
Focus on Maternal and Child Health
Gates underscored maternal and child health as key areas of focus. He highlighted the powerful impact of investing in maternal nutrition and early childhood health, particularly during the first 1,000 days of life.
“Healthy mothers lead to healthy pregnancies. Well-nourished children in their early years can thrive for life,” Gates said.
Support for African-Led Innovation
He also called on African governments to invest more deeply in primary healthcare infrastructure, applauding countries like Ethiopia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe for using political will and innovation to make significant progress.
Among the success stories, he cited Rwanda’s use of AI in maternal care, where technology like AI-powered ultrasounds is helping detect high-risk pregnancies early, improving survival outcomes for mothers and babies.
Recognition and Continued Commitment
Gates’ visit coincides with being awarded Ethiopia’s highest national honour by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, marking 25 years of the Gates Foundation’s contributions to African development. Since opening its first office on the continent in Ethiopia, the foundation has expanded to Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Senegal, funding over 100 health innovations and contributing to saving more than 80 million lives.
The new $200 billion global investment plan, announced in May, places Africa at its center, with a refined focus on reducing maternal and child mortality, eradicating infectious diseases, and expanding access to quality health services.
Local Solutions, Global Support
During a conversation with the foundation’s Africa director, Paulin Basinga, Gates emphasized the need for African leadership in creating health solutions tailored to local contexts. He urged stronger collaboration with African scientists, health workers, and tech innovators.
Also attending were Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, and Amina Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General. Okonjo-Iweala praised Africa’s public health progress despite resource constraints, attributing success to smart partnerships and community engagement.
Gates is expected to visit Nigeria later this week to meet with President Bola Tinubu and participate in the “Goalkeepers Nigeria” event, which will spotlight health innovation and reform efforts.
