On June 2, 2025, the Nelson Mandela Hall in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, became the center of global attention as Bill Gates, Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, delivered a powerful speech commemorating 25 years of the foundation’s work in Africa. Streamed live by Africa.com, the event brought together more than 12,000 attendees—ranging from government leaders and health workers to youth advocates and international diplomats—both in person and online. Gates delivered a clear and urgent message: Africa is at a critical turning point, and the continent’s future depends on bold leadership, innovation, and partnerships that prioritize health and development.
In the highlight of his address, Gates announced that the majority of his staggering $200 billion pledge—revealed earlier on May 8—will be directed to Africa over the next two decades. He emphasized that the funding will target countries that actively invest in the health and well-being of their people. “I recently committed to giving away my wealth over the next 20 years. The majority of that funding will be spent on helping you address challenges here in Africa,” Gates stated. This investment is poised to save millions of lives, reduce maternal and child deaths, combat infectious diseases, and drive economic development.
Gates’ announcement builds on the Gates Foundation’s long-standing presence on the continent. Over the past two decades, the foundation has supported initiatives that have helped save more than 80 million lives, working through partnerships like Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. In addition to financial resources, these efforts have sparked over 100 healthcare innovations across the continent.
A major focus of Gates’ speech was on the power of health systems and education in unlocking Africa’s human potential. He called for investments in robust primary healthcare systems, especially in maternal and child nutrition. Gates emphasized the importance of the first 1,000 days of a child’s life and how good nutrition during this window can lead to lifelong health and productivity. He also highlighted the role of Africa’s youth in shaping the continent’s future and praised their embrace of technology to solve local problems.
Artificial intelligence emerged as a central theme, with Gates pointing to promising examples like Rwanda’s use of AI-enabled ultrasound to detect high-risk pregnancies. He urged African leaders to support and scale such technologies, reinforcing Africa’s position as a growing hub of innovation. With a burgeoning tech ecosystem and a rising generation of digital natives, Gates expressed confidence in Africa’s capacity to drive global change through homegrown solutions.
Throughout his address, Gates celebrated the leadership of several African nations—such as Ethiopia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Zambia—for their commitment to reducing child mortality and expanding access to healthcare. He praised initiatives like Ethiopia’s double-fortified salt program and Nigeria’s primary healthcare reforms as powerful examples of what’s possible when data and leadership converge.
Following the address, Gates participated in a fireside chat with Dr. Paulin Basinga, the foundation’s Africa director, to discuss the strategic partnerships required to sustain momentum. The session featured insights from global leaders including Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, and Amina J. Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General. Both echoed Gates’ message of shared responsibility. Human rights advocate Graça Machel commended Gates for his deep understanding of African challenges and his commitment to listening to local voices during this crucial moment in history.
Gates’ speech also coincided with his ongoing visit to Ethiopia and Nigeria. In Ethiopia, he met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and participated in discussions with the Ethiopian Public Health Institute, focusing on innovative nutrition programs. His visit to Nigeria will include meetings with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and local experts to explore primary healthcare reforms and AI-driven solutions. These engagements reflect the Gates Foundation’s hands-on approach to development, grounded in collaboration and on-the-ground insight.
With this monumental $200 billion pledge and a renewed focus on innovation, health, and human potential, Bill Gates has reaffirmed the Gates Foundation’s enduring partnership with Africa. “Our foundation has an increasing commitment to Africa. We’ve been here for over 20 years, and we will continue to work side by side with you to build a healthier and more prosperous future,” he said.
The address in Addis Ababa was more than a celebration of past impact—it was a call to action for a future built on resilience, inclusion, and transformation. With unwavering commitment and a vision for AI-powered progress, Gates has set the stage for a bold new chapter in Africa’s development journey.