Healing a Continent: Gates Commits Fortune to Africa’s Future in Historic Philanthropic Pledge

iNewsAfrica | Addis Ababa Bureau | June 3, 2025

Billionaire philanthropist Bill Gates has pledged to donate nearly his entire $200 billion fortune to Africa over the next two decades. The commitment, unveiled at the African Union headquarters in Ethiopia, aims to revolutionize health, education, and technological innovation across the continent.

• Bill Gates to donate 99% of his wealth—around $198 billion—to African development.

• Health, education, and AI-powered solutions are key focus areas.

• The Gates Foundation will wind down operations by 2045.

• The move comes amid declining Western aid to Africa.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — In a historic announcement that could redefine Africa’s development trajectory, Microsoft co-founder and global philanthropist Bill Gates has pledged to donate the bulk of his estimated $200 billion fortune—approximately 99%—to advance health and education on the African continent.

Speaking at the African Union headquarters, Gates said, “The majority of that funding will be spent on helping you address challenges here in Africa,” signaling a sharp turn in global philanthropy toward empowering the continent’s future.

The initiative, to be executed through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will channel billions into primary healthcare—particularly maternal and child health—and education systems. “A healthy, educated population is the engine of prosperity,” Gates emphasized. “Without that, the future cannot be built.”

Gates also stressed the power of technology in solving systemic problems. He highlighted Rwanda’s use of AI-enabled ultrasound to identify high-risk pregnancies as a model for how artificial intelligence can reshape healthcare outcomes on the continent.

In a personal twist, Gates reaffirmed his decision to leave only 1% of his fortune to his children, stating that wealth should serve society at large. “This is about legacy—not in name, but in impact,” he said.

The Gates Foundation, which has already invested over $100 billion globally since its founding in 2000, will continue its operations until December 31, 2045—by which time Gates intends to have fully disbursed his wealth.

The announcement comes as global aid to Africa faces steep cuts, particularly from traditional donors like the United States. Gates’ commitment is seen as a crucial intervention to bridge funding gaps in key sectors vital to Africa’s sustainable development.

Experts suggest the pledge may spark a ripple effect in global philanthropy. “This could redefine how billionaires engage with the world,” said a development economist in Nairobi. “It’s not just a donation—it’s a development strategy.”

As Africa’s youth population surges and infrastructure needs grow, Gates’ multi-billion-dollar investment could shape a new era of opportunity—if executed with local leadership, transparency, and innovation.