Bill Gates says he will end his charity foundation by 2045, pushing Africa into deep poverty

In an intimate and unusually candid interview with CBS Mornings, Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates offered profound insights into the final phase of his public life, including his vision for global health, artificial intelligence, and his legacy. 

The conversation marked one of Gates’ most detailed public discussions in recent years, capturing both the scale of his ambition and the personal motivations that continue to drive his mission.

At the center of the discussion was Gates’ plan to disburse $200 billion from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation over the next two decades. This monumental commitment underscores Gates’ long-held belief that wealth should be used as a tool to solve humanity’s most pressing problems.

Speaking passionately, Gates emphasized that this funding would primarily target the eradication of diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV, while also improving maternal and child health across the developing world.

According to Gates, this massive financial undertaking is designed to save tens of millions of lives and reshape the trajectory of global health. In his words, seeing this impact unfold during his lifetime is one of the few remaining personal goals that truly matters to him.

Gates didn’t shy away from political concerns either. He expressed grave concern over the trend of reducing U.S. foreign aid, especially under administrations like that of former President Donald Trump.

Gates argued that cutting funding for global health initiatives could have catastrophic consequences, including a resurgence of deadly diseases and increased child mortality in vulnerable regions.

He pointed out that less than 1% of the federal budget goes to foreign aid, yet it yields exponential returns by promoting stability, preventing epidemics, and fostering goodwill toward the United States. In a time of rising isolationism and inward political agendas, Gates warned that abandoning international commitments could lead to both moral and strategic failures.

At 70 years old, Gates also reflected deeply on what he called the "final chapter" of his professional journey. Once the world's richest man and a technological pioneer, he now views his mission through a philanthropic lens. He spends much of his time traveling to low-income nations, personally overseeing projects funded by the foundation.

Whether meeting with health workers in rural clinics or observing vaccine distribution in underserved areas, Gates remains closely involved. He admitted that while he no longer runs Microsoft, his daily life is more fulfilling than ever. He reads voraciously, plays sports regularly, and remains intellectually engaged with new fields such as artificial intelligence and biotechnology.

Interestingly, Gates downplayed the idea of securing a personal legacy. When asked how he hoped future generations would remember him, he demurred, saying that he doesn’t care if his name is remembered at all.

Instead, he hopes that specific diseases like tuberculosis and measles will be completely eradicated and that every child, regardless of geography, will have an equal chance to survive and thrive. This radical humility stands in stark contrast to the often ego-driven world of billionaires and power players. For Gates, the ultimate reward isn’t a statue or a chapter in a textbook, but the tangible betterment of human lives.

One of the most forward-looking segments of the interview addressed artificial intelligence. Gates expressed optimism about AI’s potential to democratize education and healthcare. He described AI as a revolutionary tool that could give children in remote villages access to top-tier teaching and enable overburdened healthcare systems to serve more people with fewer resources.

Gates was quick to acknowledge the risks as well—such as bias in algorithms and job displacement—but reiterated his belief that, if managed wisely, AI could become one of humanity’s greatest assets.

He likened it to earlier technological shifts like the printing press or the internet, arguing that society must guide its evolution responsibly. He emphasized the need for global cooperation in setting ethical standards for AI development and deployment, warning that without such frameworks, technological advances could widen inequalities rather than close them.

Gates also mentioned specific initiatives his foundation is exploring with AI, including partnerships with universities and startups aimed at accelerating disease diagnosis and enhancing early childhood education. He sees AI not just as a tool but as a partner in the mission to reduce global suffering.

Throughout the interview, Gates maintained a tone of calm pragmatism, a hallmark of his public persona. But there were flashes of emotion too—particularly when discussing the inequalities that persist in global health and education. He noted that progress is possible, but not inevitable. It requires sustained effort, coordination, and political will.

Gates lamented the short-term thinking that dominates modern governance and warned that humanity cannot afford to be reactive when facing existential challenges like pandemics or climate change. He emphasized that preparing for the next pandemic should be a top priority for world leaders and described how his foundation is investing in disease surveillance infrastructure and mRNA vaccine platforms.

Gates believes that just as the world prepares for natural disasters and military conflicts, it must also build robust systems to detect and contain emerging health threats. He also pointed out that climate change is closely intertwined with global health, as rising temperatures lead to the spread of tropical diseases and food insecurity.

CBS also touched on Gates’ personal life, though briefly. The topic of his divorce from Melinda French Gates surfaced gently, and he acknowledged the emotional difficulty of that period while expressing pride in their continued joint work at the foundation. It was a subtle reminder that behind the statistics and strategies stands a man who has faced personal upheavals while staying committed to a global mission.

Gates mentioned the importance of maintaining personal resilience and surrounding oneself with people who challenge you to grow. He shared that his children have become a strong source of perspective, often asking him tough questions about his work and decisions.

Perhaps the most telling moment of the interview came when Gates was asked if he felt he had done enough. His response was characteristically nuanced: “There’s always more to do. But if I can help prevent even a small fraction of the suffering that’s out there, then my time and money have been well spent.” It was not a declaration of triumph, but a reaffirmation of responsibility.

He reiterated that he is not interested in wealth accumulation, and he plans to continue giving away the vast majority of his fortune. Gates also addressed the importance of nurturing a new generation of philanthropists, encouraging billionaires around the world to step up and contribute meaningfully to solving shared challenges. He said the next two decades will be decisive in determining whether humanity can address poverty, disease, and climate threats—and he wants to be part of that fight until the very end.

Gates’ interview with CBS is more than just a summary of projects and philanthropy—it’s a statement of intent from a man who, despite his age and accomplishments, refuses to slow down.

As new technological and humanitarian challenges emerge, Gates remains a central figure in shaping how they are understood and addressed. In a world often defined by short attention spans and fleeting priorities, his long-term vision offers a compelling alternative: that through reason, empathy, and relentless effort, meaningful change is not only possible but inevitable.

The world may or may not remember the name Bill Gates in another hundred years. But if malaria is eradicated, if AI helps teach a billion children, and if poor countries gain access to life-saving medicine, the imprint of his work will be undeniable. And perhaps, that is all the legacy he ever wanted.