Bill Gates Identifies Young Talents, Expresses Optimism About Nigeria’s Future

Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has identified young, talented, innovative Nigerians as representing potential skills and passion to solve big problems in the country and beyond.

Gates, who spoke at a forum with students and young innovators from Nigeria and across Africa, discussed how science and innovation can accelerate positive change and contribute to a brighter future for Nigeria and Africa.

The conversation took place during ‘Advancing Africa: Unleashing the Power of Youths in Science and Innovation.’ The hybrid in-person and online event was co-hosted by the Lagos Business School and Co-Creation Hub (CcHub), in partnership with Africa.com and Channels Television.

Gates, who was visiting for the first time since 2018, praised youth and many Nigerian partners whom the Gates Foundation has worked with for more than a decade. These include scientists who are scaling up new interventions that save mothers and babies, researchers who are helping smallholder farmers thrive in the face of climate change and grow more nutritious foods, and companies that are expanding access to digital financial tools.

He said “I’m a huge believer in the power of science and innovation to help people lead long, healthy lives. One of the big lessons I’ve learned is that the benefits don’t automatically reach everyone. To do that, the people creating new breakthroughs, the people funding them, and the people getting them into the world all need to prioritize equity.”

Gates’ remarks were followed by a discussion session with the audience. In his answers, Gates emphasized ways he sees Nigeria’s youths collaborating across sectors and encouraging the country’s leaders to follow through on commitments to make life in Nigeria better for everyone.