Addis Ababa — American billionaire and Gates Foundation co‑chair Bill Gates announced on Monday, June 2, 2025, that he will invest $200 billion of his own wealth into Africa’s development over the next two decades. He made the announcement in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at Nelson Mandela Hall at the African Union headquarters, addressing over 12,000 attendees, including heads of state, international organization representatives, health workers, development partners, and youth leaders.
Gates stated that the funds will focus on countries prioritizing health and social welfare.
“I’ve decided to donate all of my personal fortune over 20 years. A large part of that money will be dedicated to solving Africa’s problems.”
He discussed this vision with Dr. Paulin Basinga, Gates Foundation representative for Africa, highlighting the importance of strategic investments and sustainable partnerships to achieve Africa’s goals.
Gates emphasized that Africa’s future lies in its own leaders and people, with significant opportunities in health and quality education.
“If we invest in maternal health pre‑ and during pregnancy, provide better nutrition and follow children’s health in early years, we lay a strong foundation.”
He noted that primary health investment is key to well‑being.
Reflecting on 20 years of impact, Gates shared that partnerships with Gavi and the Global Fund saved over 80 million lives, driven by good governance, strong collaboration, and community engagement—citing Rwanda, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Zambia as success stories with improved health systems and tech innovations.
To leverage Africa’s ingenuity, Gates praised the continent’s youth innovation—notably using AI in Rwanda for prenatal ultrasound screening to reduce maternal mortality.
“Just as Africa leapfrogged with mobile money, it has a chance to build AI‑powered health systems.”
Next week, he will visit Ethiopia and Nigeria to determine where funds will go and evaluate post‑aid progress in health and development. In Ethiopia, he’ll meet Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and visit the national public health institute. In Nigeria, he’ll engage President Bola Tinubu and participate in the Goalkeepers Nigeria event, focusing on innovation and implementing Nigeria’s national AI agenda.
Launched on May 8, 2025, the 20‑year Gates Foundation program targets preventable maternal and child deaths, youth health, and lifting people out of extreme poverty through collaborative investments. Gates said the initiative will end after two decades, leaving a legacy of sustainable change through partnership and progress.
All information above is based on an official statement by the Gates Foundation dated June 2, 2025.
