Bill Gates emphasized that Africa’s progress hinges on investing in its 60% youth population during a speech at the African Union’s Nelson Mandela Hall in Addis Ababa, marking the Gates Foundation’s 25th anniversary.
Addressing 12,000 leaders, Gates pledged the majority of his $200 billion fortune over 20 years to African health and education, citing Nigeria’s 70 million youths as a driver for $1 trillion GDP growth by 2045. He praised Rwanda’s AI-driven health training for 5,000 youths and Nigeria’s $100 million tech hub, which created 10,000 jobs in 2024, as models for 50% youth employment.
Gates noted Africa’s 51-to-67 life expectancy rise since 2000, but warned 34% unemployment among 15-24-year-olds fuels 1,000 extremist recruits yearly. His foundation’s $7 billion African commitment since 2022 trained 1 million youths in health and agriculture, reducing 20% poverty in Ethiopia. In Nigeria, $500 million supports AI education, but 40% of 220 million citizens lack skills training, per 2023 UNESCO data.
Gates’ call for 10% GDP youth investment faces 50% debt burdens, with Nigeria’s $500 billion debt limiting 2025’s 5.18% education budget. Scaling 200 tech hubs continent-wide could add $50 billion annually, but 1,500 unconnected rural youths demand infrastructure.