Microsoft founder Bill Gates has said that most of his fortune will be dedicated to improving health and education services in Africa over the next 20 years.

The 69-year-old man claimed that:

“By unlocking human potential through health and education, every African country should be able to follow the path to prosperity.”

During a speech in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, he also encouraged young African innovators to think about ways to develop artificial intelligence (AI) to improve healthcare on the continent.

Last month, Gates announced that he would give away 99% of his vast fortune – which he estimates to be worth $200 billion (around £150 billion) – by 2045, when his foundation will cease operations.

"I recently made a commitment to distribute my wealth over the next 20 years. The majority of these funds will be used to help you address the challenges here in Africa," he said at the African Union (AU) headquarters.

Reactions

• Graça Machel, former First Lady of Mozambique, welcomed the announcement, saying it came at a “time of crisis”:

"We are counting on Mr. Gates' strong commitment to continue walking alongside us on this path of transformation."

• The statement comes as the United States government has cut aid to Africa, including HIV/AIDS treatment programs, under former President Donald Trump's "America First" policy, raising concerns about the future of healthcare on the continent.

Goals of the Gates Foundation

Gates said his foundation, which has long been active in Africa, will focus on improving primary health care.

"What we've learned is that helping the mother be healthy and well-nourished before and during pregnancy gives the best results."

“Ensuring that a child receives good nutrition during their first four years makes all the difference.”

He also stressed that mobile phones had revolutionized banking in Africa, and that AI should now be used to serve the continent.

“Africa has largely skipped the traditional banking stage. Now you have the opportunity, as you build next-generation healthcare systems, to integrate AI from the start.”

He cited Rwanda as an example, which is already using AI-assisted ultrasounds to detect high-risk pregnancies.

The Gates Foundation's 3 Priorities

1. Eliminate preventable maternal and infant deaths

2. Protect the next generation from deadly infectious diseases

3. Lifting millions of people out of poverty

"After 20 years, the foundation will end its activities," a press release states.

Last month, Gates had already stated that he would accelerate his donations:

"A lot of things will be said about me when I die, but I'm determined that 'he died rich' will not be one of them."

Giving away 99% of his fortune could still leave Gates—according to Bloomberg—with billionaire status and the fifth richest man in the world.

As a reminder, Bill Gates co-founded Microsoft in 1975 with Paul Allen, and the company quickly became a major player in software and technology. He gradually stepped down from his role, retiring as CEO in 2000 and then as chairman of the board in 2014.

He says he was inspired by Warren Buffett and other philanthropists to give away his fortune.

Controversies

Critics, however, say the foundation uses its charitable status to avoid taxes and exerts undue influence over global health policy.