Bill Gates, Co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, revealed that Nigeria receives the largest portion of the foundation’s intervention funds in Africa. Gates made this statement during an interview at the 2024 NutriVision Dialogue in Abuja on Tuesday.
He explained that despite substantial investments in Asia, the foundation directs even more funds to Africa, with Nigeria being the largest recipient. Gates highlighted that this is due to Nigeria’s large population and significant needs, resulting in billions of dollars being invested in the country.
Gates expressed satisfaction with improvements such as reduced child mortality rates but emphasized that there is still much work to be done. He announced that the foundation plans to increase future spending, focusing on enhancing primary health care.
“Our work is almost entirely primary health care because the impact per dollar is dramatically greater than anywhere else,” Gates said.
In addition to health, the foundation also invests heavily in agriculture, aiming to boost Nigeria’s economic development through improved access to high-yield, climate-resistant seeds, fertilizers, and better farming information. Gates noted that this approach would enhance agricultural productivity and reduce food costs, contributing to better nutrition and combating malnutrition.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has been active since 2000, supporting initiatives across 49 African countries. It has committed over $7 billion through 2026 to tackle hunger, disease, gender inequality, and poverty, working with regional institutions, national governments, and local communities.