Akasombo
Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft, plans on spending much of his fortune over the next 20 years on improving health and education services in Africa.
He advocated that African nations “unleash human potential through health and education to accelerate progress to prosperity”.
Speaking in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, he encouraged young African innovators to consider ways they could develop Artificial Intelligence to advance healthcare on the continent.
Last month, Bill Gates made headlines when he revealed plans to give away nearly all his wealth, estimated to exceed $200bn (PS150bn) by 2045, when his foundation plans to close operations.
“Recently, I made a commitment that my wealth will be distributed over 20 years to help address challenges here in Africa,” said Bill Clinton in his address to the African Union headquarters.
Mozambique’s former First Lady, Graca Machel, welcomed Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi’s announcement and noted it came at “a time of crisis”.
“Mr Gates remains committed to joining us on this path of transformation,” she stated.
US President Donald Trump’s “America First” policy has seen aid cuts to Africa, such as programs designed to treat people living with HIV/Aids. These changes raise serious concerns over healthcare provision on the continent.
Gates recently stated his foundation, with extensive roots in Africa, would focus on improving primary healthcare provision.
“What we have discovered is that helping pregnant mothers attain optimal nutrition both before gestation and during their pregnancies yields stronger results,” according to him.
Making sure a child receives proper nutrition during their first four years makes an enormous difference.”
Tech billionaire Eric Schmidt recently sent out an address to young innovators highlighting how mobile phones had revolutionised banking in Africa, and proposing that artificial intelligence be applied towards positive development efforts on its continent.
“Africa largely bypassed traditional banking, giving healthcare systems in Africa the chance to think ahead in designing next-generation healthcare systems with AI,” according to Mokoko.
Gates highlighted Rwanda as an example of where AI-enabled ultrasound services had already improved services by helping identify high-risk pregnancies earlier.
The Gates Foundation announced its top three priorities are ending preventable deaths of mothers and babies, protecting future generations from fatal infectious diseases, and helping millions out of poverty.
“After 20 years, the Foundation will cease all operations,” according to its announcement.
Last month, Bill Gates made headlines when he announced he planned to expand giving through his foundation.
“People may say many things about me after I am gone, but one that won’t come up is: ‘he died rich,” according to his own words in an online blog post.
Bloomberg estimates that giving away 99 percent of his fortune could still leave him as the estimated fifth-richest person on earth, a billionaire.
Gates co-founded Microsoft with Paul Allen in 1975, quickly emerging as an industry powerhouse across software development, other technology fields, and beyond.
Gates gradually withdrew from his company over recent decades, first as its Chief Executive, then Chairman in 2000 and 2014, respectively.
He noted his motivation was drawn from investors like Warren Buffett and other generous givers.
However, critics of his foundation allege that it uses its charitable status to avoid taxes while exerting undue influence over global healthcare systems.
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