(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.
How to Prepare for Food Emergencies if You Don’t Have a Homestead or Bunker
In an unpredictable world, where supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, or economic instability can strike without warning, having a reliable food supply is more than just smart—it’s essential for survival. Whether you’re a “prepper” or not, we all know the golden rule: self-sufficiency is key. But what if you’re living in an apartment, working long hours, or simply don’t have the land to turn into a thriving homestead? Don’t worry; there’s a practical, effective way to build your food security without needing acres of soil or a fortified bunker.
The Ideal Prep: Building Your Own Food Empire
The ultimate dream for any serious prepper is controlling your own food production. Imagine waking up to a sprawling garden bursting with fresh vegetables, fruits, and herbs—tomatoes ripening on the vine, potatoes ready to harvest, and greens that provide nutrition year-round. Add in livestock like chickens for eggs and meat, and you’ve got a self-sustaining system that keeps your family fed no matter what chaos unfolds outside.
This approach isn’t just about calories; it’s about resilience. A well-maintained garden can yield hundreds of pounds of produce annually, while a small flock of chickens might produce dozens of eggs weekly. It’s empowering, cost-effective in the long run, and teaches invaluable skills like crop rotation, animal husbandry, and preservation techniques. If you have the space, time, and resources, starting small and scaling up is the best path to true independence.
The Reality Check: Not Everyone Can Homestead
But let’s face it—not all of us are in a position to go full homesteader. Urban dwellers might be limited to a balcony or community plot that’s far from sufficient for long-term needs. Busy professionals juggling jobs, families, and daily life often lack the hours required for daily tending. And for those in apartments, condos, or regions with harsh climates, raising livestock or maintaining a large garden simply isn’t feasible. Factors like zoning laws, soil quality, water access, or even physical limitations can make this ideal out of reach.
That’s where the frustration sets in. You want to be prepared, but without a homestead or bunker, how do you ensure your pantry doesn’t run dry during a prolonged crisis? The good news is, you don’t have to sacrifice your preparedness goals. There’s a smart, accessible alternative that bridges the gap: investing in high-quality, long-term storage food.
The Smart Alternative: Long-Term Storage Food from Heaven’s Harvest
Long-term storage food is designed for exactly these scenarios—providing nutrient-dense, shelf-stable meals that last for decades without refrigeration or special conditions. It’s the perfect solution for preppers who can’t rely on fresh production but still demand reliability and variety in their emergency stockpile.
At Heaven’s Harvest, they specialize in premium survival food kits that make preparedness effortless. Their products are crafted with the prepper mindset in mind: non-GMO, made in the USA, and packed with real ingredients that taste like home-cooked meals, not bland rations. Whether you’re stocking up for a short-term blackout or a long-haul SHTF event, our kits offer:
- Extended Shelf Life: Up to 25 years of storage, so you can buy once and forget about rotation worries.
- Nutritional Balance: High-protein entrees, fruits, vegetables, and dairy alternatives to keep your energy up and health intact.
- Ease of Preparation: Just add water, and you’ve got hearty meals like beef stroganoff, chili mac, or cheesy lasagna ready in minutes—no garden weeding required.
- Customizable Options: From individual buckets to family-sized kits, scale your supply to fit your needs and budget.
- Peace of Mind: Sealed in durable, waterproof containers that protect against pests, moisture, and light.
Unlike generic store-bought cans that spoil quickly or lack variety, Heaven’s Harvest focuses on quality and sustainability. Our food is freeze-dried or dehydrated to lock in flavor and nutrients, ensuring you’re not just surviving but thriving. And for those concerned about allergens or dietary preferences, we offer gluten-free and vegetarian options to keep everyone covered.
Why Wait? Secure Your Food Supply Today
Preparing for food emergencies doesn’t require a homestead or bunker—it requires action. By choosing long-term storage food from Heaven’s Harvest, you’re taking control in a way that fits your lifestyle. Start small with a 72-hour kit to test the waters, or go all-in with a year’s supply for ultimate security.
Visit Heaven’s Harvest today and use code “PATRIOT” for an exclusive discount on your order. Don’t let limitations hold you back; build your resilient future, one meal at a time. Your family will thank you when it matters most.