Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – June 3, 2025:
Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has announced an unprecedented commitment to donate $198 billion—99% of his estimated $200 billion fortune—to improve healthcare and education in Africa over the next two decades. The declaration was made at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, where Gates addressed a gathering of over 12,000 officials, youth leaders, and diplomats.
“The majority of my wealth will be spent helping Africa tackle its greatest challenges,” Gates said. “Good health and strong education systems are the foundation for any prosperous society.”
A New Era of Philanthropy for Africa
The Microsoft co-founder’s pledge focuses on transforming primary healthcare, with special attention on maternal and child health, and expanding nutritional access during early childhood development. Gates cited studies showing that good maternal nutrition and early-life care lead to far-reaching improvements in health, productivity, and learning outcomes.
He also called on young African innovators to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to transform healthcare. Highlighting Rwanda’s AI-driven prenatal screening initiatives as a model, Gates said Africa had a unique opportunity to leapfrog traditional systems and adopt tech-enabled healthcare solutions.
“Africa skipped traditional banking with mobile money. Now it can leapfrog again by embedding AI in healthcare from the ground up,” he added.
Responding to a Global Aid Shortfall
Gates’ announcement comes at a critical moment for the continent, as foreign aid from the U.S. and other Western nations has declined—particularly under the Trump-era “America First” policies, which saw cuts to HIV/AIDS and malaria programmes across sub-Saharan Africa.
Graça Machel, Mozambique’s former First Lady and a prominent activist, welcomed Gates’ pledge, calling it a timely intervention:
“We are counting on Mr. Gates to continue walking this path of transformation alongside us. This commitment comes in a moment of crisis.”
Legacy and Future of the Gates Foundation
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, one of the world’s largest philanthropic organisations, will reportedly wind down operations by 2045, having executed its mission of targeted, high-impact giving. In a blog post last month, Gates reiterated that he doesn’t want to die wealthy:
“People will say many things about me, but I am determined that ‘he died rich’ won’t be one of them.”
Despite this massive giveaway, Bloomberg estimates Gates will remain a billionaire, thanks to residual investments and ongoing earnings.
Only 1% Left to His Children
True to his long-held belief that inherited wealth can be a disincentive, Gates has once again affirmed that his three children will inherit just 1% of his fortune. The remainder will fuel his vision of global equality and systemic change.
Co-founder of Microsoft in 1975, Gates stepped back from active leadership in the company decades ago to focus on philanthropy. Inspired by fellow billionaire Warren Buffett, Gates has been a central figure in global development, though some critics argue his foundation’s influence on international health policy is too vast.
Regardless of critique, the scale of Gates’ African commitment is historic. If executed as planned, it could reshape the continent’s development trajectory—turning Gates’ fortune into a legacy of impact rather than inheritance.