Bill Gates has announced a significant philanthropic initiative focused primarily on Africa, pledging to allocate the majority of his wealth to help address various challenges across the continent. During a recent address at the African Union in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Gates shared his vision for using his wealth, stating that he will be distributing his estimated $200 billion fortune over the next two decades.
Gates emphasized the importance of unleashing human potential through improvements in health and education, asserting that every country in Africa should be on a path toward prosperity. “If we think about the priorities and the great partnerships we have, the majority of that funding will be spent on helping you address challenges here in Africa,” he said.
Previously, in a blog post, Gates committed to giving away “virtually all” of his fortune via his philanthropic organization, the Gates Foundation. He estimated that the foundation would spend over $200 billion on charitable efforts between 2025 and 2045 before closing its doors permanently. Gates expressed a strong desire to be remembered not for his wealth but for his contributions to society, stating, “People will say a lot of things about me when I die, but I am determined that ‘he died rich’ will not be one of them.”
As of 2025, Gates’ net worth is reported to be around $175 billion. Although he has transitioned much of his focus to philanthropy, he still remains an advisor to Microsoft and recently released his first memoir, “Source Code: My Beginnings.”
This commitment not only showcases Gates’ dedication to tackling global inequalities but also highlights the potential for impactful change through collective efforts in health and education sectors across Africa. With his vast resources being directed towards these causes, there’s hope for significant progress that could benefit millions in the coming years.