By Alfonso Kasongo
Co-Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Bill Gates was on Thursday in Nairobi, Kenya for various socio-economic engagements.
While in the East African country, Gates met with national and local leaders, partners and grantees as well as regional scientists and innovators, a statement by the foundation’s media manager, Dineo Moerane obtained by ASHENEWS on Thursday, said.
He also announced the foundation’s commitment to support new innovations and ingenuity aimed at improving health, food security and gender equality in African countries.
Gates, accompanied by a team, listened to farmers who are using digital tools to help with climate adaptation. They also saw how primary healthcare clinics have delivered care during the pandemic and helped address ongoing threats like HIV, TB, and malaria.
The visit further provided opportunities for visiting team to learn more about how leaders are charting a path forward, despite the challenging economic conditions, with investments in youth, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Mr. Gates engaged and participated in a conversation with university students, to learn and share perspectives on how innovative tools and approaches can bolster efforts to increase food security and support climate adaptation across Africa.
The town hall event themed “Innovating for Food Security & Climate Change in Africa”, co-hosted by Africa.com and the University of Nairobi and took place from 6:00-7:00PM EAT (Nairobi).
Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation believes that solutions to Africa’s greatest challenges could come from within Africa and its role is to support African partners whose bold ideas and creative approaches have the potential to save lives, improve health, and help families across the continent.