Bill Gates pledges $200bn to transform Africa's future
Bill Gates announced that he will donate $ 200 billion to support public health and education initiatives in Africa. According to the BBC, his foundation is set to conclude its operations by 2045.
Key information
- Bill Gates intends to donate 99 per cent of his wealth to charity.
- The Gates Foundation will focus on health and education in Africa.
- The initiatives are expected to conclude by 2045.
Investments in health and education
According to the BBC, Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, announced that the majority of his wealth will be allocated to improving health and education in Africa. Over the next 20 years, his foundation will concentrate on these areas to help the continent achieve prosperity. Gates emphasised that investments in these fields could have a significant impact on Africa's future.
Gates announced that by 2045, his foundation will conclude its activities, and most of the funds will be directed to aid Africa. In his speech in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, he encouraged young innovators to utilise artificial intelligence to enhance the continent's healthcare system.
Gates wants to support young innovators
In his speech, Gates highlighted the potential of young African innovators. He noted that just as mobile phones revolutionised banking in Africa, artificial intelligence could bring benefits in the health sector. According to the BBC, Gates pointed out Rwanda as an example of a country that is already using AI in healthcare.
Graça Machel, the former first lady of Mozambique, expressed appreciation for Gates's decision, emphasising its importance during the current crisis. Meanwhile, critics of the Gates Foundation argue that its activities might have too much influence on the global health system.
According to the BBC, the Gates Foundation has three primary goals: preventing maternal and child mortality, eradicating infectious diseases, and alleviating poverty. Gates emphasised that his goal is to be remembered not as a wealthy man, but as a philanthropist who gave his wealth to help others.
