Gates, 69, said that “by releasing human potential through health and education, all Africa countries should be directed towards prosperity.”
In a speech pronounced in Adís Abeba, the capital of Ethiopia, also urged the young African innovative to think about how to develop artificial intelligence (AI) to improve medical care in the continent.
Last month, Gates said he would donate 99% of his vast fortune – which he hopes he adds about US $ 200,000 million – by 2045, when his foundation plans to finish its operations.
“Recently I promised to donate my heritage during the next 20 years. Most of these funds will be used to help them face the challenges here in Africa,” he said in a speech at the headquarters of the African Union (UA).
Graça Machel, former first lady of Mozambique, celebrated the announcement, stating that it occurred in a “crisis moment.”
“We have the firm commitment of Mr. Gates to continue touring this path of transformation with us,” he added.
The US government has cut the aid to Africa, including programs for the treatment of HIV/AIDS patients, as part of the “United States first” policy of President Donald Trump, which generates concern about the future of medical care in the continent.
Gates said that its foundation, with a long career in Africa, will focus on improving primary health care.
“What we have learned is that helping the mother be healthy and having a good nutrition before and during pregnancy offers the best results,” he said.
“Ensure that the child receives good nutrition during his first four years makes the difference,” added the philanthropist.
Integrate AI to the development of Africa
In a message to the innovative young people, the technological billionaire said that mobile phones had revolutionized banking in Africa and argued that AI should now be used for the benefit of the continent.
“Africa jumped largely the traditional banking and now, when building their next generation health systems, they have the opportunity to think about how to integrate AI in them,” he said.
Gates quoted Ruanda as an example, stating that he was already improving services through ultrasound with AI to identify high -risk pregnancies.
The Gates Foundation claimed to have three priorities: to end the preventable deaths of mothers and babies, ensure that the next generation grows without having to suffer mortal infectious diseases and get millions of people out of poverty.
“After 20 years, the Foundation will cease its operations,” he said.
From Superrico to Philanthropist
Last month, Gates announced that he would intensify his donations through his foundation.
“They will say many things about me when I die, but I am determined that ‘Rico died’ is not one of them,” he wrote in a blog.
According to Bloomberg, by donating 99 % of his fortune, Gates would cease to be the fifth richest person in the world, but would remain billionaire.
Together with Paul Allen, Gates founded Microsoft in 1975. The company soon became a dominant force in the software sector and other technological industries.
Gates has gradually moved away from the company in recent decades, resigning as executive director in 2000 and as president in 2014.
He affirmed that the investor Warren Buffett and other philanthropists inspired him to donate his money.
However, critics of its foundation say that Gates uses his status as a charity organization to evade taxes and claim that he has an undue influence on the world health system.
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