It is fitting that today's celebration took place within the walls of a venue that bears the name of one of Africa’s most visionary sons and leaders—who once reminded us that “freedom is meaningless if people cannot put food in their stomachs, if they cannot have shelter, if illiteracy and disease continue to dog them.” These words by Nelson Mandela remain as relevant today as ever, serving as a powerful reminder that the aspirations of our 1.5 billion people must be matched by tangible progress in their daily lives.

This vision is echoed in Agenda 2063, which continues to guide the priorities of the African Union system. It underscores the need for our collective sustained commitment to ensure food sovereignty and climate resilience, to strengthen health systems and pandemic preparedness, to empower our youth through education, and to fully recognise and support the essential contribution of women to the continent’s development.

We understand that these trials, though significant, are also moments that compel us to act boldly and think differently; moments that open the door to new possibilities: the possibility of supporting and creating opportunities to empower our youthful population to truly become a dynamic engine of development; the possibility of confronting health challenges by building a stronger pharmaceutical sector and indeed manufacturing base within Africa; The possibility of harnessing the climate transition to reinforce our long-standing commitment to food sovereignty, while unlocking new pathways for inclusive and sustainable development.

We also recognise that Africa today possesses significant influence—power that must be deployed thoughtfully to advance our priorities, particularly through the United Nations and the G20.

The Gates Foundation’s choice of the African Union Precinct to commemorate its 25 years is, I trust, an indication of an important partner’s commitment to continue the journey towards delivering concrete results together. Fostering transformational partnerships is indeed an important lever in our implementation agenda. In this respect, I would like to acknowledge and convey on behalf of the AU system, our appreciation for the continued commitment and tireless engagement of the Foundation on key priorities for the continent.

I want to reaffirm the commitment of the Chairperson as expressed to your team in April 2025 to work together to deliver sustainable solutions to health financing, the operationalisation of the Africa Medicines Agency and most importantly, support vaccine production sovereignty to align with Africa’s health priorities. As your engagement with the Union expands beyond the health sector, let us also be co-creators of solutions, in line with the priorities we have articulated, to address challenges such as climate resilience and technological innovation.

To our esteemed partner, Mr. Bill Gates, on behalf of the AU family, I want to congratulate you and the entire team of the Gates Foundation on this quarter-century milestone, your statement delivered few minutes ago and the data provided are indeed telling. Thank you for standing with Africa, not only through your resource contribution but more importantly, through your unwavering commitment to listening, learning, and believing in what this continent can achieve.

I hope that you leave today’s discussion inspired to continue contributing to Africa’s future. As you look ahead to the next 2 decades, I want to leave you with this thought: by 2045, the average African will be 23.5 years of age. The Foundation has a rare opportunity to help shape the future of an entire generation whose progress and potential can stand as the Foundation’s most enduring legacy.

Thank you.