(The Epoch Times)—Bill Gates said Monday that Africa will receive the lion’s share of the $200 billion that his charitable foundation plans to distribute over the next two decades, with the announcement shedding fresh light on the philanthropic goals of one of the world’s wealthiest men, who last month said he would give away the vast majority of his fortune.
“I recently made a commitment that my wealth will be given away over the next 20 years. The majority of that funding will be spent on helping you address challenges here in Africa,” Gates said in a speech at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, according to a statement from the Gates Foundation.
Last month, Gates announced his foundation would permanently close on Dec. 31, 2045, with up to $200 billion in spending planned before that date, funded in large part by the Microsoft founder’s own commitment to give away nearly all of his vast fortune. This marked a change from his original plans for the foundation, which he initially planned to sunset several decades after his death and that of his ex-wife, Melinda French Gates.
“A few years ago, I began to rethink that approach,” Gates said in a May 8 statement, referring to the original plans for the foundation to continue operating after he dies. “More recently, with the input from our board, I now believe we can achieve the foundation’s goals on a shorter timeline, especially if we double down on key investments and provide more certainty to our partners.”
French Gates left the foundation in 2024 after her divorce from Gates. At the time, she pledged to commit some $12.5 billion to the foundation under the terms of their separation agreement.
Gates’s visit to Ethiopia aimed to bolster ties between his foundation and the AU, according to a statement from the organization, which noted that discussions focused on improving Africa’s health systems, enhancing food security, and expanding local production of medicines and vaccines.
In his speech, Gates touched on his early philanthropic steps in the 1990s, saying his foundation’s subsequent work on vaccinations was inspired by an article discussing the prospect of reducing diarrhea deaths among African children by inoculating against the rotavirus.
“Early in the foundation’s history, we were a founder of a group called GAVI [Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization] that was there to help buy vaccines. We spent the money to make sure the cost of that viral rotavirus vaccine went down from $30 to under $2,” Gates said.
Gates’s vaccination efforts have drawn a mix of praise, criticism, and conspiracy theories—including claims that African children were used as “guinea pigs” in vaccine trials or that COVID-19 vaccines contained tracking devices. Gates has rejected such accusations, saying that his foundation’s work has always been driven by the goal of saving lives and reducing suffering.
“A child born in many parts of Africa has 50 times the chance of dying before the age of five than children in other countries and so from this very beginning, starting in the year 2000 the foundation has learned from our partners in Africa,” Gates said in his Monday speech in Ethiopia, adding that some of the innovation that his foundation has worked on in Africa was basic—like improving the organization of the primary health care system—while some has been complex.
“Some of the innovation is very scientific, creating new vaccines for malaria, HIV, and tuberculosis,” he said.
After stepping down as Microsoft CEO in 2000 and relinquishing his role as chairman in 2014, Gates shifted his focus to philanthropy, chiefly through his foundation, citing fellow billionaire Warren Buffett and other major donors as inspiration. Critics accuse him of using the foundation’s charitable status as a tax shelter and say it holds too much sway over international health policy.
Gates also became a prominent voice during the COVID-19 pandemic, with some of his comments on vaccines and public health strategy drawing controversy and opposition.
Jack Phillips contributed to this report.
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
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As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.