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Bill Gates pledges bulk of $200 billion fortune to Africa over next 20 years
Business Standard
|June 04, 2025
Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates has announced that the majority of his vast personal fortune, projected to reach $200 billion by 2045, will be dedicated to improving health and education in Africa over the next two decades.
Speaking at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa on Monday, the 69-year-old philanthropist stressed the continent's potential, emphasizing that investment in health and education could unlock long-term prosperity across all African nations.
"By unleashing human potential through health and education, every country in Africa should be on a path to prosperity — and that path is an exciting thing to be part of," Gates said in his address to more than 12,000 government officials, diplomats, development partners and youth leaders.
Last month, the billionaire had committed to giving away 99 per cent of his wealth to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which plans to cease operations by December 2045. "The majority of that funding will be spent on helping you address challenges here in Africa," he said.
This story is from the June 04, 2025 edition of Business Standard.
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