Publish: 13:40, 03 Jun, 2025

Bill Gates pledges to spend majority of fortune in Africa

Bill Gates, the founder of tech giant Microsoft, ranks as the world's fifth wealthiest individual.
Bill Gates pledges to spend majority of fortune in Africa
Photo - Collected

Microsoft founder Bill Gates expressed his motive that he wants most of his fortune will be spent in Africa over the next 20 years.

Bill Gates wished to spend on improving health and education services.

The 69-year-old said that by unleashing human potential through health and education, every country in Africa should be on a path to prosperity.

Speaking in Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa, he also urged Africa's young innovators to think about how to build Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve healthcare on the continent.

Gates announced last month that he would give away 99% of his vast fortune - which he expects to reach $200bn (£150bn) - by 2045, by when his foundation planned to end its operations.

"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," he said in an address at the African Union (AU) headquarters.

Mozambique's former First Lady Graça Machel welcomed his announcement, saying it came in a "moment of crisis".

"We are counting on Mr Gates' steadfast commitment to continue walking this path of transformation alongside us," she said.

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, raising concerns about the future of healthcare on the continent.

Gates said his 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, while she is pregnant, delivers the strongest results," he said.

"Ensuring the child receives good nutrition in their first four years as well makes all the difference."

In a message to young innovators, the tech billionaire noted that mobile phones had revolutionised banking in Africa, and argued that AI should now be used for the continent's benefit.

"Africa largely skipped traditional banking and now you have a chance, as you build your next generation healthcare systems, to think about how AI is built into that," he said.

Gates pointed to Rwanda as an example, saying it was already improving services using AI-enabled ultrasound to identify high-risk pregnancies.

The Gates Foundation said it had three priorities: ending preventable deaths of mothers and babies, ensuring the next generation grows up without having to suffer from deadly infectious diseases, and lifting millions of people out of poverty.

Along with Paul Allen, Gates founded Microsoft in 1975, and the company soon became a dominant force in software and other tech industries.

Gates has gradually stepped back from the company in recent decades, resigning as its chief executive in 2000 and as chairman in 2014.

He said he had been inspired to give away money by investor Warren Buffett and other philanthropists.

Source: BBC

Bd-pratidin English/ Afia

More News
Don't ignore Grade 1 fatty liver, experts urge
Don't ignore Grade 1 fatty liver, experts urge
How raisins supports gut and heart health
How raisins supports gut and heart health
Why time speeds up with age?
Why time speeds up with age?
Dessert before or after dinner?
Dessert before or after dinner?
Cucumber benefits for a healthy summer
Cucumber benefits for a healthy summer
Scientists seek clues to longevity from three Brazilian sisters over 100
Scientists seek clues to longevity from three Brazilian sisters over 100
Study finds unequal access to chronic pain rehabilitation
Study finds unequal access to chronic pain rehabilitation
Doctor explains sleep challenge for football fans during FIFA World Cup
Doctor explains sleep challenge for football fans during FIFA World Cup
Why cutting sugar out of diet might not be as healthy as it sounds: Study
Why cutting sugar out of diet might not be as healthy as it sounds: Study
Every second matters at Malaysia's premier heart specialist centre
Every second matters at Malaysia's premier heart specialist centre
Father's Day around the world in 2026
Father's Day around the world in 2026
Cervical cancer deaths fall to zero in young women given vaccine in England
Cervical cancer deaths fall to zero in young women given vaccine in England
Latest News
ACC seeks documents from BCB to investigate against Papon
ACC seeks documents from BCB to investigate against Papon
3 hours ago | Sports
Govt preparing a new visa policy, placed the draft to cabinet
Govt preparing a new visa policy, placed the draft to cabinet
3 hours ago | National
Elderly man gets roadside stall in Joypurhat
Elderly man gets roadside stall in Joypurhat
4 hours ago | Shuvosangho
Developing highly skilled professional diplomats very important: Shama
Developing highly skilled professional diplomats very important: Shama
4 hours ago | National
24,784 absent, seven expelled on first day of HSC exams
24,784 absent, seven expelled on first day of HSC exams
4 hours ago | National
Norway worried about Haaland ahead of Brazil clash
Norway worried about Haaland ahead of Brazil clash
5 hours ago | Sports
160 gold bars seized in Dhaka airport
160 gold bars seized in Dhaka airport
5 hours ago | City
Portugal declares state of alert as extreme heat grips country
Portugal declares state of alert as extreme heat grips country
5 hours ago | International
Tk1 lakh fine for failing to ensure parents' maintenance
Tk1 lakh fine for failing to ensure parents' maintenance
6 hours ago | National
July Shaheed Memorial Meeting on Saturday, PM to attend
July Shaheed Memorial Meeting on Saturday, PM to attend
6 hours ago | National
Shakhawat asks hospitals not to discharge dengue patient before full recovery
Shakhawat asks hospitals not to discharge dengue patient before full recovery
6 hours ago | National
PM unveils book on President Ziaur Rahman
PM unveils book on President Ziaur Rahman
7 hours ago | National
‘Think twice’: Iran’s army warns against any ‘miscalculation’ by US, Israel
‘Think twice’: Iran’s army warns against any ‘miscalculation’ by US, Israel
7 hours ago | International
Govt reduces LPG, auto gas prices
Govt reduces LPG, auto gas prices
7 hours ago | National
Govt won’t tolerate any attempt to damage country’s image: Home Minister
Govt won’t tolerate any attempt to damage country’s image: Home Minister
8 hours ago | National
Bashundhara Tissue, Shuvosangho distribute saplings among Sherpur students
Bashundhara Tissue, Shuvosangho distribute saplings among Sherpur students
8 hours ago | Shuvosangho
Dengue awareness, cleanliness drive held in Dhaka
Dengue awareness, cleanliness drive held in Dhaka
8 hours ago | Shuvosangho
Measles-like symptoms claim 5 more lives in 24 hrs
Measles-like symptoms claim 5 more lives in 24 hrs
8 hours ago | National
Eight monks killed, 13 injured in Thailand pilgrimage crash
Eight monks killed, 13 injured in Thailand pilgrimage crash
8 hours ago | International
Bangladesh enacts new anti-online gambling law
Bangladesh enacts new anti-online gambling law
8 hours ago | National
Scientist challenges US climate report over global warming claims
Scientist challenges US climate report over global warming claims
8 hours ago | International
Palestinian Ambassador calls on PM's Foreign Affairs Advisor
Palestinian Ambassador calls on PM's Foreign Affairs Advisor
9 hours ago | National
Mohammad Monirul Islam becomes ACC DG
Mohammad Monirul Islam becomes ACC DG
9 hours ago | National
Social Media and Devices: Making Life Easier, But at What Cost?
Social Media and Devices: Making Life Easier, But at What Cost?
9 hours ago | Special
‘Iran, Iran’ fans welcome heroes despite World Cup exit
‘Iran, Iran’ fans welcome heroes despite World Cup exit
9 hours ago | Sports
Nazrul's pen was sharp weapon against colonial rule, oppression: PM
Nazrul's pen was sharp weapon against colonial rule, oppression: PM
10 hours ago | National
China's Z.ai stirs 'mini DeepSeek moment' with low-cost AI model GLM-5.2
China's Z.ai stirs 'mini DeepSeek moment' with low-cost AI model GLM-5.2
10 hours ago | Tech
36pc of regular students skip HSC, equivalent exams
36pc of regular students skip HSC, equivalent exams
10 hours ago | National
Dhaka-Beijing defence ties part of broader cooperation: Envoy
Dhaka-Beijing defence ties part of broader cooperation: Envoy
10 hours ago | National
Don't ignore Grade 1 fatty liver, experts urge
Don't ignore Grade 1 fatty liver, experts urge
10 hours ago | Lifestyle
Most Read
HSC, equivalent exams begin today
HSC, equivalent exams begin today
16 hours ago | National
Head teacher appointments cleared in 32,000 govt schools
Head teacher appointments cleared in 32,000 govt schools
13 hours ago | National
Messi returns 'home' to lead Argentina in Miami
Messi returns 'home' to lead Argentina in Miami
16 hours ago | Sports
Gold price up Tk2,216 per bhori
Gold price up Tk2,216 per bhori
13 hours ago | Economy
Senegal robbed of victory, says Ibrahimovic
Senegal robbed of victory, says Ibrahimovic
10 hours ago | Sports
Govt reduces LPG, auto gas prices
Govt reduces LPG, auto gas prices
7 hours ago | National
Speaker leaves for Iran to attend Khamenei’s funeral
Speaker leaves for Iran to attend Khamenei’s funeral
15 hours ago | National
At least 8 killed in major Russian missile, drone attack on Kyiv
At least 8 killed in major Russian missile, drone attack on Kyiv
15 hours ago | International
36pc of regular students skip HSC, equivalent exams
36pc of regular students skip HSC, equivalent exams
10 hours ago | National
600 foreign journalists to cover funeral of Ayatollah Khamenei
600 foreign journalists to cover funeral of Ayatollah Khamenei
12 hours ago | International
100-tonne Malaysia order prompts mango freight cut appeal
100-tonne Malaysia order prompts mango freight cut appeal
16 hours ago | National
Health state minister, BIDA and NBR chiefs take up new roles
Health state minister, BIDA and NBR chiefs take up new roles
12 hours ago | National
Kane double fires England into last 16 with comeback win over DR Congo
Kane double fires England into last 16 with comeback win over DR Congo
16 hours ago | Sports
Trauma centers remain idle across country
Trauma centers remain idle across country
12 hours ago | Special
China's Z.ai stirs 'mini DeepSeek moment' with low-cost AI model GLM-5.2
China's Z.ai stirs 'mini DeepSeek moment' with low-cost AI model GLM-5.2
10 hours ago | Tech
Dhaka-Beijing defence ties part of broader cooperation: Envoy
Dhaka-Beijing defence ties part of broader cooperation: Envoy
10 hours ago | National
Nazrul's pen was sharp weapon against colonial rule, oppression: PM
Nazrul's pen was sharp weapon against colonial rule, oppression: PM
10 hours ago | National
Mohammad Monirul Islam becomes ACC DG
Mohammad Monirul Islam becomes ACC DG
9 hours ago | National
Scientist challenges US climate report over global warming claims
Scientist challenges US climate report over global warming claims
9 hours ago | International
Social Media and Devices: Making Life Easier, But at What Cost?
Social Media and Devices: Making Life Easier, But at What Cost?
9 hours ago | Special
Venezuela's death toll at least 2,295 as medical crisis widens
Venezuela's death toll at least 2,295 as medical crisis widens
13 hours ago | International
Iran rejected direct US meeting proposal in Doha
Iran rejected direct US meeting proposal in Doha
16 hours ago | International
Iran to open ‘communication channel’ on MoU with US
Iran to open ‘communication channel’ on MoU with US
15 hours ago | International
Ronaldo vs Modric: First and last face-off in World cup
Ronaldo vs Modric: First and last face-off in World cup
11 hours ago | Sports
Palestinian Ambassador calls on PM's Foreign Affairs Advisor
Palestinian Ambassador calls on PM's Foreign Affairs Advisor
9 hours ago | National
Belgium stage stunning comeback to sink Senegal
Belgium stage stunning comeback to sink Senegal
16 hours ago | Sports
Tuchel delights in ‘shark’ Kane’s predatory goal instinct
Tuchel delights in ‘shark’ Kane’s predatory goal instinct
14 hours ago | Sports
PM pushes circular road, waterways to unclog capital
PM pushes circular road, waterways to unclog capital
15 hours ago | City
Teachers must choose: Job or local elections
Teachers must choose: Job or local elections
10 hours ago | National
Dengue cases may surge further in July, August: Health minister
Dengue cases may surge further in July, August: Health minister
11 hours ago | National