Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman Begins Five-Day Visit to Ethiopia

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman is starting a five-day visit to Ethiopia today. As one of Ethiopia’s biggest developmental aid partners, he will focus on the country’s health and economic issues.

During his visit, he will meet with various stakeholders who play prominent roles in areas such as health, agriculture, gender equality, and financial inclusion, among others.

“The visit is part of the Gates Foundation’s commitment to working closely with communities and leaders to support solutions that can accelerate progress and improve lives across Africa,” the foundation said in a statement.

Founded 24 years ago by Bill Gates, the foundation has become one of the world’s largest funders of developmental initiatives, with an endowment now valued at over USD 64 billion.

Ethiopia remains one of its biggest partners, with the foundation having spent over $750 million USD on local projects thus far. The foundation opened its Addis Ababa office in 2012. Across Africa, it has committed over USD 7 billion as part of its initiatives for the next two years.

One of its prominent projects in Ethiopia has been the funding of Ethiopia’s Agricultural Transformation Agency, which helps address food security concerns in a nation facing a growing population vulnerable to climate change and drought.

During his visit, Mark is expected to meet with government officials, highlighting areas of economic opportunities where the foundation can help Ethiopia overcome a slew of challenges. These challenges include recurring conflicts, war, civil unrest, and a dwindling economy that faces a chronic shortage of foreign currency.