Bill Gates to visit Nigeria, Niger to meet with leaders and partners tackling health and development challenges

Following a visit to China, Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, will be in Niger and Nigeria this week to discuss global health and development with national and local officials, foundation partners, grantees, scientists, and young innovators. The visit is part of the Gates Foundation's commitment to collaborating closely with communities and leaders to encourage innovation that can help accelerate progress and enhance people's lives across Africa. 

Gates and other foundation officials are travelling to learn from partners working to combat polio, anaemia, and other health threats; scientists conducting research to develop agricultural advances that will aid in food security and climate adaption; and innovators utilising technology to combat polio, anaemia, and other health concerns.

They will also meet with national and regional leaders to encourage them to make investments and advance policies that promote innovation and provide equitable opportunity, despite challenging economic conditions. 

Gates will also participate in a conversation with students and young leaders to gather insights and share perspectives on how science and innovation can accelerate positive change and contribute to a brighter outlook for Africa. 

The moderated event, Advancing Africa: Unleashing the Power of Youth in Science and Innovation, will be co-hosted by the Co-Creation Hub Nigeria and Lagos Business School and live-streamed across Africa by media partners Africa.com and Channels Television. It will take place at 10am WAT (Lagos) on 21 June. You can register here to attend virtually.