Bill Gates says Africa will get much of his $200 billion fortune
Microsoft founder Bill Gates recently said his $200 billion fortune would be spent on improving education and healthcare across Africa over the next 20 years.
Speaking in Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa this week, the tech billionaire, according to a BBC report, said, 'I recently made a commitment that my wealth will be given away over the next 20 years. Most of that funding will help you tackle challenges here in Africa.'
Gates added, 'By unleashing human potential through health and education, every country in Africa should be on a path to prosperity".
Alongside this, he also urged Africa's young innovators to think about how to build artificial intelligence (AI) to improve healthcare on the continent.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will stop operating by the time Gates gives away his wealth in 2045. The Microsoft cofounder said the foundation, which has a long history of operating in Africa, would focus on improving primary healthcare.
"What we've learned is that helping the mother be healthy and have great nutrition before she gets pregnant, [and] while she is pregnant, delivers the strongest results," he said.
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"Ensuring the child receives good nutrition in their first four years as well makes all the difference," he added.
His commitment comes at a time when the US government has cut aid to Africa, including programmes to treat patients with HIV/Aids, as part of US president Donald Trump's "America First" policy. This move has raised concerns about the future of healthcare in Africa.
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