Bill Gates to donate most of his $200 billion fortune to Africa
In a landmark announcement, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has committed to directing the majority of his $200 billion fortune toward improving health and education across Africa over the next two decades.
Speaking at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on June 2, 2025, Gates outlined a vision to “unleash human potential” and set every African country on a path to prosperity.
This pledge builds on his earlier commitment to give away 99% of his wealth by 2045, when the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is set to conclude its operations.
A Call to Action in Addis Ababa
Gates delivered his speech at the African Union, urging young African innovators to harness Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address healthcare challenges.
He highlighted Rwanda’s use of AI-enabled ultrasound technology to identify high-risk pregnancies as a model for innovation.
“Africa’s young innovators should think about how to build Artificial Intelligence to improve healthcare on the continent,” Gates said, emphasizing technology’s potential to transform lives.
“I recently made a commitment that my wealth will be given away over the next 20 years,” Gates told the audience.
“The majority of that funding will be spent on helping you address challenges here in Africa.”
This announcement follows his May 2025 pledge to accelerate his philanthropy, marking a shift from earlier plans for the foundation to operate for decades after his death.
A Legacy of Giving
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, established in 2000, has already disbursed $100 billion toward global health and development initiatives.
Over the next 20 years, Gates expects to distribute an additional $200 billion, depending on market conditions and inflation, as reported by Reuters.
This accelerated timeline reflects Gates’ sense of urgency to address global challenges.
Drawing inspiration from Andrew Carnegie’s 1889 essay “The Gospel of Wealth,” Gates believes the wealthy have a moral duty to give back.
“The man who dies thus rich dies disgraced,” Carnegie wrote, a sentiment Gates echoed in his commitment to philanthropy.
He also credits investor Warren Buffett and other philanthropists for shaping his approach.
Priorities for Africa
The Gates Foundation’s work in Africa focuses on three key areas:
| Priority | Description |
|---|---|
| Ending Preventable Deaths | Reducing maternal and child mortality through improved healthcare and nutrition. |
| Eradicating Infectious Diseases | Combating diseases like polio, malaria, and HIV/Aids to ensure healthier generations. |
| Lifting Millions Out of Poverty | Enhancing health and education to drive sustainable economic growth. |
Gates emphasized the importance of primary healthcare, stating, “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.” This focus on early childhood development is critical for long-term health and cognitive outcomes.
The foundation has a long history in Africa, supporting initiatives like vaccine distribution through partnerships with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
These efforts have saved millions of lives and contributed to the near-eradication of polio.
In education, the foundation funds programs to train teachers, provide learning materials, and improve access for girls and underserved communities.
Agriculture is another key focus. “We can do incredible things to improve seeds and educate farmers,” Gates said.
The foundation is investing in research to develop resilient seeds, chickens, and cows to enhance food security and economic opportunities for African farmers.
Technology as a Game-Changer
Gates’ vision for Africa includes a strong emphasis on technology. Rwanda’s AI-enabled ultrasound program is just one example of how innovation can address healthcare gaps.
The foundation also funds research into new vaccines, diagnostic tools, and treatments for diseases that disproportionately affect low-income countries.
By encouraging African innovators to develop local solutions, Gates hopes to spark a wave of technological advancements tailored to the continent’s needs.
Reactions and Challenges
The announcement has been warmly received by many African leaders. Graça Machel, Mozambique’s former First Lady, called it “timely” amid ongoing crises.
However, the Gates Foundation’s influence has sparked debate. Critics argue its size and resources can overshadow local health systems, and some question its tax-exempt status, suggesting it gives Gates undue influence over global health policy.
Despite these concerns, the foundation’s impact—such as reducing child mortality and advancing disease eradication—is widely acknowledged.
The pledge comes at a critical time, as the U.S. government has cut aid to Africa, including programs for HIV/Aids treatment, under President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy.
Gates has been vocal about the need for government funding, stating, “We need governments to step up,” in a previous interview.
His foundation’s efforts may help fill some gaps, but philanthropy alone cannot replace public funding.
Inspiring a New Wave of Philanthropy
Gates hopes his pledge will inspire other wealthy individuals to act. “I do think good examples influence other people.”
By setting a precedent, he aims to encourage a new era of philanthropy focused on global development.
A Vision for Africa’s Future
As the Gates Foundation prepares to wind down by 2045, its work in Africa could leave a lasting legacy.
By prioritizing health, education, and innovation, Gates aims to create sustainable improvements in living standards and economic opportunities.
His call for African innovators to leverage AI and other technologies could empower the continent to develop its own solutions to longstanding challenges.
In conclusion, Bill Gates’ $200 billion pledge to Africa is one of the largest philanthropic commitments in history.
By addressing immediate needs and fostering long-term development, this initiative has the potential to transform the continent’s future, setting a powerful example for global philanthropy.
