Gates Foundation And OpenAI Launch $50 Million Ambitious Project To Advance Artificial Intelligence Across Africa

The Gates Foundation and OpenAI introduced Horizon1000, a $50 million ambitious effort to equip African countries with artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen healthcare, beginning in Rwanda.

The project aims to enhance primary health services by deploying AI solutions in 1,000 primary health clinics and their communities by 2028, driving progress where workforce gaps and system bottlenecks persist.

Horizon1000 addresses ongoing deficits in access, quality, and workforce strength in low- and middle-income health systems.

The initiative will enable governments, health professionals, and innovators to responsibly adopt AI that augments clinical decision-making, streamlines administration, and broadens access to services.

“People in poorer parts of the world shouldn’t have to wait decades for new technologies to reach them.”

Said Bill Gates on GatesNotes, announcing the launch.

“This is why the Gates Foundation and OpenAI are partnering with African leaders on Horizon1000—to help apply AI in ways that support health workers, strengthen systems, and save lives.”

AI As A Strategic Health Tool, Not A Replacement

Gates emphasised that AI will empower—not replace—health workers, enabling them to devote more attention to patients rather than to routine tasks such as documentation and coordination.

He cited the acute workforce shortage in Sub-Saharan Africa—where millions more skilled health professionals are needed—and positioned AI as a pragmatic solution for expanding quality care.

Rwanda Leads With Innovation And Vision

Rwanda, as the first implementation partner, has established itself as a health innovation leader, launching initiatives such as the AI-powered Health Intelligence Centre in Kigali to catalyse the use of real-time data and support smarter decision-making across the health system.

“We’re leveraging real-time data and AI for smarter, people-centered health systems,” said Dr. Sabin Nsanzimana, Rwanda’s Minister of Health, emphasizing the alignment between Horizon1000 and Rwanda’s health transformation goals.

Rwanda’s broader AI strategy—integral to its national development agenda—emphasises responsible, inclusive deployment of advanced technologies to advance public services and extend equitable healthcare.

A Collaborative Path Forward

Horizon1000 will work with health ministries, clinical leaders, technology partners, and local innovators to:

• Identify high-impact AI use cases anchored in local needs.
• Build governance and capacity for ethical, safe AI use.
• Integrate AI into everyday clinical workflows.
• Promote collaboration across sectors and borders.

By grounding AI adoption in robust policies, human expertise, and ethical principles, the partners aim to ensure that artificial intelligence technologies enhance patient care and strengthen health systems in Africa at scale.

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