Bill Gates Explains Why He Spends More on Nigeria Than Other Africa Countries

Bill Gates, Co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has revealed why Nigeria receives the largest portion of the foundation’s intervention funds allocated to Africa.

During an interview with selected journalists on the sidelines of the 2024 NutriVision Dialogue in Abuja on Tuesday, Gates explained that the significant funding directed towards Nigeria is due to the country’s large population and immense needs.

“We spend a lot in Asia, but we spend even more in Africa. The country where we spend the most in Africa is Nigeria,” Gates stated. “That makes sense because of the population and the incredible needs that are here. That means that I’ve literally spent billions in Nigeria.”

Gates expressed satisfaction with the progress made in reducing child mortality in Nigeria but acknowledged that there is still much more to be done.

He emphasized that the foundation’s top priorities include reducing global health inequality and eradicating diseases such as measles, malaria, and polio.

Looking ahead, Gates mentioned that the foundation plans to increase its spending, with a particular focus on improving primary healthcare.

“Our work is almost entirely focused on primary healthcare because the impact per dollar is dramatically greater than anywhere else,” he explained.

In addition to health, Gates highlighted the foundation’s substantial investments in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. He stressed that boosting agricultural productivity is key to the country’s economic development.

Gates noted that this goal can be achieved through providing farmers with access to high-yield, climate-resistant seeds, fertilizers, improved and timely information, and better weather predictions.