Commitment to Collaborating with Governments Dedicated to Health and Wellbeing
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ADDIS ABABA (June 2, 2025) – Today, in the historic Nelson Mandela Hall at the African Union, the Gates Foundation Chair, Bill Gates, made a resounding call to African leaders. He urged them to leverage the winds of change to bolster health and development through innovation and strategic partnerships, even in the face of challenges. Gates unveiled a visionary plan to allocate a major chunk of his $200 billion budget to Africa over the next 20 years, focusing on collaborating with governments that put their citizens’ health and wellbeing at the forefront.
“I’ve recently vowed to give away my wealth over the next two decades,” Gates told an audience of over 12,000, comprising government officials, diplomats, health workers, and youth leaders. “A significant portion of this will aid in addressing Africa’s pressing issues.”
The atmosphere crackled with anticipation, both in-person and online, as Gates highlighted the indispensable role of African leadership and creativity in shaping the continent’s future. “Unlocking human potential through health and education is key. Imagine every African nation on a path to prosperity – it’s exhilarating to be part of this journey,” he shared.
Post-address, Gates engaged in a thought-provoking fireside chat with Dr. Paulin Basinga, the foundation’s Africa director. Here, discussions revolved around Africa’s development agenda, spotlighting the investments and partnerships required for sustainable progress.
Another layer of collaboration was woven by prominent African figures like Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the World Trade Organization’s Director-General, and Amina J. Mohammed, the UN’s Deputy Secretary-General. The rhythmic exchange underscored the importance of shared responsibility.
Mrs. Graça Machel, a renowned advocate for women and children, painted the current scenario as “a moment of crisis.” She underlined, “Enduring partnerships are essential on Africa’s development journey. Mr. Gates’ longstanding partnership reflects respect for the continent’s leadership and innovation.”
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala further emphasized that Africa’s strides in health stem from robust government leadership, resilient communities, and impactful partnerships.
Acknowledging the power of primary healthcare, Gates noted, “Investments in primary healthcare yield the greatest dividends for health and wellbeing.” He elaborated on how empowering mothers with health and nutrition pre-pregnancy and during pregnancy charts the best future for children, especially in their early years.
During his discourse, Gates lauded the audacious leadership and innovation manifest in countries like Ethiopia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Zambia. These nations are beacons, demonstrating the potent results of frontline health service expansion, leveraging data for reducing child mortality, and embracing technological advances in defeating diseases like malaria and HIV.
“For over two decades, Africa’s persistent effort with limited resources has been a source of inspiration,” Gates reminisced. “The groundwork laid in even the remotest regions to implement solutions is astonishing.”
Gates also delved into the dramatic potential of artificial intelligence, drawing an inspiring parallel with Africa’s leap in mobile banking. “Seeing young Africans embrace AI to tackle local challenges is energizing,” he said. Reflecting on Rwanda’s use of AI in healthcare, such as AI-enabled ultrasounds, he remarked, “The opportunity to embed AI in upcoming healthcare systems is incredibly promising.”
This week, Gates is set to visit Ethiopia and Nigeria to witness firsthand the evolving priorities in health and development amidst shifts in foreign aid. His itinerary includes engaging with leaders such as Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Together, they explore strategies to sustain reforms and innovation.
“Our commitment to Africa escalates each day,” Gates stated, alluding to the foundation’s African offices in Ethiopia, South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, and Senegal – a testament to strengthening partnerships.
Reflect on this: Is this the dawn of Africa’s transformation era? An era where the continent, without external limitations, defines its own destiny through collaboration, innovation, and strong leadership?
Gates’s journey resonates as a continuation of a partnership anchored in saving lives and fostering innovation. The Gates Foundation, in its remarkable legacy, catalyzed over 100 innovations, saving more than 80 million lives alongside Gavi and the Global Fund.
About the Gates Foundation
Embodying the belief that every life has equal value, the Gates Foundation is dedicated to helping people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, we collaborate with partners to create impactful solutions. Based in Seattle, Washington, the foundation is led by CEO Mark Suzman under the direction of Bill Gates and our governing board.
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Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
