Addis Ababa – Chair of the Gates Foundation and founder of groundbreaking energy, Bill Gates is optimistic about Africa’s potential to lead AI (AI), calling it a powerful tool to tackle some of the continent’s most pressing challenges.
Speaking essentially at the Global AI Summit on Africa held in Kigali from April 3-4, 2025, Gates emphasized that AI is more than technological advances. This is an opportunity to save lives.
“Pregnancy is a high risk,” he said. “And by identifying them, you can save millions of other lives across Africa, because in the rural areas we’ve talked about nearby, you know who needs to go to get better care.”
According to Top Africa news, Gates highlighted the growing role of AI in mental health, agriculture, education and governance.
He notes that AI tools are already making a difference in helping farmers understand weather patterns as climate change continues to disrupt traditional seasons, and are beginning to support students in the classroom.
AI supports students in the classroom, Gates said.
He said, “And it’s great to maintain the documents and complex policies that the government has and connect its citizens.
The Gates Foundation added that it prioritizes AI innovation with the possibility of “saving food.” This is a phrase that emphasizes the important intersection of nutrition, agriculture and technology.
Sign up for the AllAfrica newsletter for free
Get the latest African news
success!
Almost finished…
You need to check your email address.
Follow the instructions in the email you sent to complete the process.
error!
There was a problem processing the submission. Please try again later.
He suggested upcoming initiatives and partnerships that will be announced in the summer of deepening the Foundation’s commitment to AI for development.
“The world is facing a major challenge today,” Gates admitted. “And for now, at least for now, some countries are reducing their commitment to health and development in the world, this is a key moment.”
However, he remains hopeful, highlighting innovation, particularly AI, which drives progress across the sector. “The good news is that innovation is giving us opportunities, whether it’s healthy or agriculture…and that’s been accelerated through artificial intelligence.”
In his message of empowerment, Gates urged Africa not only to adopt AI solutions, but to become a pioneer in the space.
“Africa has an absolute opportunity to not only benefit from AI, but also lead the way in many areas,” he added.
