One of the year’s biggest announcements came from billionaire Bill Gates. He intends to use the majority of his estimated $200 billion fortune to address issues across Africa. At the African Union (AU) headquarters, Gates was far more passionate about the innovation trump card. He stressed the importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in improving health care across the continent. Going beyond mere job creation, this initiative builds on his deep history of philanthropy and opens a new chapter in his engagement with African countries.
During his keynote, Gates challenged Africa’s young innovators to take advantage of AI technology to improve the quality and reach of healthcare services. He used Rwanda as a positive case study. There, AI-enabled ultrasound technology has made it possible to identify high-risk pregnancies. Philanthropy has learned through our work that the best outcomes happen when we invest in a mother’s health and nutrition both before conception and through pregnancy. This underscores the critical connection between maternal health and child nutrition, he continued, citing T4America’s previous work.
Gates, who co-founded Microsoft in 1975 with Paul Allen, has gradually retreated from the company over the past several decades. He resigned as chief executive in 2000 and as chairman in 2014. His transition into philanthropy was spurred in part by his fellow investor Warren Buffett, as well as other monumental philanthropists. Gates has made a radical commitment, promising to give away 99% of his fortune by 2045. It’s part of his overall strategy to wind down his foundation’s operations by that year.
In fact, I am the one who recently announced a commitment that my wealth will be given away over the next 20 years. The bulk of that money is going to be used to help you meet challenges right here on the continent,” Gates pronounced. He’s an optimist who thinks if we just invest in health and education, each African country will find its own path to prosperity.
Accessibility Gates cited the astounding effect mobile technology has had in Africa. He noted how it has transformed economies, banking institutions and opportunities across the continent. During the House hearing on the impact of AI in government, he articulated an earnest optimism around AI’s potential to revolutionize healthcare. He said, “Africa mostly skipped over traditional banking, and today you have an opportunity to leapfrog AI into your new world healthcare systems.”
As the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has years of experience in Africa. They have focused on a host of health efforts, particularly in the area of primary care. Alongside the announcement, Gates reiterated the foundation’s mission to make sure kids get the nutrition they need in their earliest years. Making sure the child has the best nutrition during those first four years as well, he argued, makes all the difference.
Graça Machel, a prominent advocate for children’s rights and education, responded to Gates’ commitment with optimism. We are relying upon Mr. Gates’ unwavering passion and commitment to keep walking down this road of transformation journey with us,” she said.