KIGALI, July 21 – Bill Gates has called on African governments to place greater focus on investing in people, technology and digital infrastructure as international development aid continues to fall and public finances come under increasing pressure.
Speaking ahead of a visit to Rwanda, the Gates Foundation chairman said the drop in global aid makes it even more important for governments to direct limited resources towards areas with the biggest long-term impact, including healthcare, education and innovation.
According to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), development assistance fell for a second straight year in 2025 as donor countries shifted spending towards defence and domestic needs. The European Network on Debt and Development also said aid has fallen to levels last seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gates said Africa’s young population remains one of its biggest strengths. With the continent expected to have the world’s largest working-age population by 2040, he believes continued investment in people could unlock major economic opportunities.
He also described artificial intelligence as the biggest technological breakthrough of his lifetime, saying it could help tackle some of Africa’s biggest challenges. Gates added that Africa has already shown its ability to embrace new technology through the growth of mobile money and could do the same with AI, digital public infrastructure and advances in health and agriculture.
During his visit, Gates pointed to Rwanda as an example of how steady investment in people and public institutions can deliver results. Since 2000, the country has reduced under-five mortality by 80% and maternal deaths by 85%.
Although the Gates Foundation plans to invest $200 billion over the next two decades, with most of the funding going to African health and development programmes, Gates said lasting progress will depend on stronger local institutions and leadership rather than aid alone.
