Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates has declared that malaria will be completely eradicated in Africa within the next 20 years.
Gates, who previously announced that his organisation, the Gates Foundation, will be winding down its activities in the same timeframe and pledged his entire wealth to humanitarian efforts, also stated that there will be a greater number of wealthy individuals in Africa during this period.
“With our focus over the next 20 years, malaria should be eradicated in Africa. In the next 20 years, we should see an increase in wealthy individuals across the continent,” Gates remarked.
Speaking in Lagos on Wednesday during the Goalkeepers event, Gates also addressed the issue of hunger, asserting that Nigeria should be a food exporter rather than a food importer.
He noted that children in African countries were facing significant levels of malnutrition and emphasised that each nation must determine its own food production strategies using technology.
Gates pointed out that countries such as the United States, India, China, and Brazil are employing technology to enhance agricultural yields, adding that scientists in Nigeria can guide farmers on how to boost agricultural production and also combat malaria.
“Food inflation is currently worse than any other type of inflation,” Gates stated. “It disproportionately affects the poorest and is largely driven by low agricultural productivity.”
The billionaire philanthropist, through his Foundation has invested heavily in agricultural projects across Africa, including Nigeria.
He highlighted ongoing initiatives that focused on improved seed varieties, livestock genetics, and soil analysis tools as vital interventions aimed at increasing yields and reducing food prices.
“We do a lot with soil to help understand what it’s lacking and which fertilisers to use,” he explained. “We are also working on cassava and maize, with new varieties like Tela maize demonstrating a 50% increase in productivity.”
Gates noted that Nigeria’s agricultural output per acre is only about a quarter that of the United States, partly due to limited access to affordable fertilisers and lack of improved crop varieties.
He also mentioned partnerships with organisations like Hayo Farms, which are enhancing poultry genetics and lowering the cost of eggs in countries such as Ethiopia.
“When egg prices drop, children’s diets become richer in protein. It’s not just about food; it’s about nutrition and opportunity, especially for women,” he added.
He criticised the misinformation surrounding Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) and fertilisers, which he said often leads to policy delays that hinder farmers from accessing beneficial technologies.
“If you want expensive food, avoid technology. But if you want affordable calories and protein for billions, then these technologies must be adopted,” Gates argued. “The choice is national—each country must decide crop by crop.”
The Gates Foundation currently allocates about 8% of its budget to agriculture, a figure expected to rise to 12-14% in the near future. However, over 70% of the foundation’s funding is directed towards health initiatives.
Regarding how artificial intelligence (AI) could transform agriculture, Gates stated that the future lies in empowering even small-scale farmers with data.
“Through AI, a farmer with a small plot of land should be able to receive better advice than a wealthy American farmer—on when to plant, what to plant, and how to avoid diseases,” he said.
In response to questions about hunger and the role of his foundation, Gates emphasised that they are the largest private funders of soil research, livestock productivity, seed development, and digital farming tools in Africa.
“We fund many innovative approaches to reduce the price of fertilisers and improve advice for farmers. Unfortunately, agricultural funding globally is under pressure; even our funding is being cut,” he admitted.
