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Bill Gates Pledges Most of $200 Billion Fortune to Africa
ADDIS ABABA—Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates announced Monday he will donate most of his $200 billion fortune to Africa over the next 20 years.
Gates made the pledge during a speech at the African Union headquarters to over 12,000 government officials and health workers.
“I recently made a commitment that my wealth will be given away over the next 20 years. The majority of that funding will be spent on helping you address challenges here in Africa,” Gates said.
The 69-year-old philanthropist said the funds will target health and education improvements across the continent. He urged African leaders to embrace artificial intelligence in healthcare development.
Gates cited Rwanda’s use of AI technology to identify high-risk pregnancies as a model for the continent.
The billionaire announced last month he would donate 99 percent of his wealth by 2045, when the Gates Foundation plans to cease operations.
Ethiopian officials hosted Gates at Nelson Mandela Hall before his scheduled travel to Nigeria for meetings with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Gates Foundation has committed $100 billion to global health initiatives since 2000.
Gates currently ranks as the world’s fifth-richest person with an estimated net worth of $175 billion.
The foundation will pursue three primary goals in Africa: preventing maternal and infant deaths, eliminating infectious diseases, and reducing poverty.
