Highlights of meetings of the AUC Chairperson during the 68th UNGA, New York, USA, 25 September, 2013 - Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation see lots of opportunities with the AUC

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation say they see a lot of opportunities for collaborative work with the African Union Commission. They told the African Union Commission Chairperson, Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, during a meeting with her on 25 September 2013 in New York, in the sidelines of the 68th UN General Assembly Meeting.

The Gates shared challenges and opportunities in their current support in the areas of health, supporting the fight again Polio, Tuberculosis and Malaria, as they set goals for the next 15 years with great hopes.

“We're getting better tools all the time,” Bill Gates highlighted, adding that “for some diseases, it's not just the number of kids they kill, but problems caused during growth and full human development of those that survive.”

Apart from health, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation see agriculture as one of the very big opportunity areas in Africa, given that it is a primary engine to reduce poverty. Small holder projects yield great results. They look forward to AUC’s guidance for leadership, especially through CAADP whose 10th anniversary commemoration presents an opening to stimulate more countries to deliver greater results.

“We look at more countries putting interest in agriculture, especially having women at the fore, not just as workers of farmers, but as owners.” Dr. Dlamini Zuma upheld the critical role of women, adding that, “As farmers, they need assistance with technical skills and inputs, etc. With women, you can be sure that the money comes to the family. That is why next year, the theme for the annual summit focuses on agriculture. We can alleviate poverty quicker with agriculture. While money from crude oil is good, it goes to government. But, with agriculture, the money goes directly to the families at the base of the society.”

Consultations will ensure on how best the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will work with the AUC to enhance the continental agenda.