This morning, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, received Mr. Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation.

The visit aimed to strengthen collaboration between the AU and the Gates Foundation. Discussions centered on boosting Africa’s health systems, expanding local vaccine and medicine manufacturing, and enhancing food security.

The Chairperson raised concerns about global aid cuts and unfulfilled climate finance pledges; concerns Mr. Gates shared, noting Africa’s unfair treatment in climate discussions despite its minimal emissions. He pledged to advocate for sustained international aid and deeper partnerships.

Both the Chairperson and Mr. Gates reaffirmed the urgent need for global solidarity, fair trade, debt relief, and investment in African-led innovation, governance, and resilience.