Bill Gates, the co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is in Nigeria this week as part of the foundation’s ongoing commitment to Africa’s development.
During his visit, Gates will engage with national and local leaders, partners, grantees, and innovators to explore ways to advance health, innovation, and nutrition throughout Africa.
Together with other foundation leaders, Gates will meet with experts in primary health care, agriculture, and nutrition who are driving progress across the continent despite economic obstacles.
The foundation stated that Gates will also take part in a pan-African virtual dialogue focused on combating malnutrition by integrating health, agriculture, and financing solutions. This event will feature musician, educator, and humanitarian Jon Batiste alongside Gates.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation believes that Africa’s biggest challenges can be addressed with solutions developed within the continent.
“This is why the foundation supports African partners whose bold ideas and creative approaches have the potential to save lives, improve health, and help families across the continent.
“Since the foundation’s inception in 2000, it has supported partnerships with African regional institutions, national governments, and local communities in 49 African countries to contribute funding and scientific expertise in support of their agendas for change.
“These partnerships have driven the success of numerous health, agriculture, equality, and anti-poverty initiatives.”
The foundation has pledged over $7 billion by 2026 to support African nations and organizations in combating hunger, disease, gender inequality, and poverty through innovative solutions.
“The foundation works with African governments, the private sector, non-profit organizations and civil society to improve health outcomes, boost agricultural productivity, expand access to digital financial services, and empower women and other marginalized populations with greater economic opportunities,” it added.
The foundation equally works to aid all people lead healthy, productive lives.
“In developing countries, it focuses on improving people’s health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life,” it highlighted.
