Bill Gates of Microsoft has promised to donate most of his wealth to promote health and education services across Africa over the next 20 years.
Speaking at the African Union in Addis Ababa, Gates said that investing his fortune in Africa’s health and education would help put the continent on a path of prosperity.
The 69-year-old said that he would donate 99% of his fortune, estimated at 200 billion dollars by 2045.
“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 said.
The announcement could fill some of the void left by the US government’s USAID, which cut aid leaving many NGOs in financial trouble.
Despite his plan to give away 99% of his fortune, Gates would still remain a billionaire.