Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has pledged to give away 99% of his wealth—expected to reach $200 billion by 2045—with most of it dedicated to improving health and education in Africa. Speaking in Addis Ababa at the African Union headquarters, Gates emphasized the transformative power of health and education, stating that these investments can help every African country move toward prosperity. Over the next 20 years, his foundation will wind down operations, focusing on three main goals: ending preventable maternal and child deaths, eradicating infectious diseases, and lifting millions out of poverty.

Bill Gates Champions AI-Driven Healthcare in Africa Amid Aid Cuts

Gates urged young African innovators to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can enhance healthcarejust as mobile phones revolutionized banking. He pointed to Rwanda’s use of AI-powered ultrasounds to detect high-risk pregnancies as a model. Gates also stressed the importance of maternal health and early childhood nutrition, noting that the most impactful health outcomes begin before birth and during a child’s first four years.

His philanthropic push comes as U.S. government aid to Africa has been cut under the “America First” policy, affecting critical health programs, including HIV/AIDS treatment. In this context, Mozambique’s former First Lady Graça Machel praised Gates’ commitment, calling it timely amid global uncertainty.

Gates Shifts Legacy from Tech Titan to Global Philanthropist Amid Scrutiny

Gates has long distanced himself from Microsoft, stepping down as CEO in 2000 and as chairman in 2014. Inspired by fellow philanthropist Warren Buffett, Gates has increasingly focused on charitable efforts. Last month, he reiterated his intention to accelerate giving, writing that he doesn’t want to be remembered for dying rich.

Despite his philanthropy, Gates and his foundation have faced criticism for allegedly using charitable status to avoid taxes and wielding outsized influence over global health policies. Nonetheless, his upcoming investments in Africa aim to spark sustainable growth by empowering communities through technology, healthcare, and education.

Summary:

Bill Gates plans to donate 99% of his $200 billion fortune by 2045, focusing on health and education in Africa. He urges AI-driven healthcare innovations amid U.S. aid cuts. Despite criticism of his foundation, Gates aims to empower communities and end preventable deaths through sustainable, tech-enabled development efforts.