Billionaire philanthropist, Bill Gates, has announced that the majority of the $200 billion his foundation will disburse over the next two decades will be allocated to improving health and development in Africa.

   Speaking yesterday in Nelson Mandela Hall at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Gates, the chair of the Gates Foundation, emphasised that Africa would receive the largest share of the funding, citing the continent’s potential and the urgent needs.

   “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 told the audience, including African leaders, health professionals, youth representatives, and development partners.

   Mr Gates praised African governments that prioritise the health and well-being of their citizens and called for more investment in primary healthcare.

   According to him, resilient health systems and sustainable development cannot be achieved without African leadership and homegrown solutions.

   “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,” he added.

   Gates called for deeper investment in primary healthcare, describing it as foundational to improving well-being and reducing inequality across the continent.