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Bill Gates, philanthropist and co-founder of Microsoft, has said that Africa’s future progress will depend on how well the continent invests in the health and education of its young population.
Speaking at the Gates Foundation’s Goalkeepers 2030 event held in Lagos, Nigeria, Gates highlighted that Africa’s youth represent a powerful force that could shape global trends over the next century. “The amazing thing about Africa — and I show people this slide all the time — is that it is a very young continent. The portion of children born in Africa is going to be over half during this century. The city (Lagos) we are in today will, by far, become the largest city in the world. That’ll be interesting and keep things vibrant,” he said.
Gates added that the future of the continent depends on investment decisions made over the next two decades. “Africa has this incredible offset of its youth, and that will make it the most interesting continent throughout this century. How much that youth can really drive progress will depend on the investment decisions we make in the next 20 years — in their health and their education. If we prioritise that, there’s an unbelievable future here.”
When asked if he was optimistic about Africa’s ability to meet health goals, Gates pointed to progress in specific regions. “Well, certainly, Gombe State is an example — really focusing on the performance of the workforce and being willing, even with very tight budget conditions (which is true throughout Africa), to emphasise not just health, but specifically primary health care. And we see very quickly that when that’s done, childhood deaths go down, maternal deaths go down, and nutrition rates go up.”
Read also: Bill Gates sees Africa’s health achievement surpassing past progress
Gates also said innovation is already changing healthcare delivery in Africa, with artificial intelligence playing a growing role. “AI is coming along — AI which is improving at the global level, and AI which is being shaped specifically by entrepreneurs in Africa to meet African needs.”
He added that progress could be accelerated through collaboration, stating, “If you take the combination of Africa getting richer, more philanthropists emerging, rich countries restoring generosity, and the sharing of best practices and innovation. We have some incredible tools coming along, even for things like sickle cell disease — which we need to get rid of. It’s a dramatic burden.”
Gates noted that the Foundation has spent $100 billion globally since its launch in 2000, with over 70 percent directed toward global health, much of it focused on Africa. “When we started the Foundation in 2000, our guiding principle was that all lives have equal value. One of our major concerns was reducing infant mortality globally, especially in Africa,” he said.
He commended Nigeria for its local partnerships, stating, “Here in Nigeria, we’ve had amazing partners who understand delivery and how we can work to support government efforts. Ultimately, the government has the responsibility. We’re here to accelerate those systems.”
The Goalkeepers event, held in Lagos for the first time, convened global leaders to evaluate progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Notable participants included Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya.
Governor Yahaya said his administration now has two primary healthcare centres in every ward across Gombe State. He acknowledged workforce challenges and revealed the introduction of biometric attendance to curb absenteeism. “One of the problems is the attitude of health workers, especially those newly posted to rural areas,” he said.
He said health funding in the state has increased significantly, compared to previous administrations. Dangote also spoke at the event, referencing the collaboration between his organisation and the Gates Foundation to eradicate wild polio in Nigeria. He urged stronger partnerships and investments in local drug production to reduce dependence on foreign medical systems.
Also speaking at the event, Aliko Dangote, President and Chairman of the Dangote Group, noted that the collaboration between his organisation and the Gates Foundation was instrumental in eliminating the wild poliovirus in Nigeria.
Dangote underlined the pressing necessity to stop “medical tourism” by supporting domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing.
He appealed for deeper collaboration with the Gates Foundation and other relevant actors to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity for a more self-sustaining healthcare system.
Gates concluded by saying, “These next 20 years, the countries in Africa will reach a stage of real economic momentum. Helping them accelerate that — understanding unique challenges, simplifying delivery, and lowering costs — will make a world of difference.”
