Mark Suzman

In this short video, we hear from native South African and CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Mark Suzman. He shares his insights about the continent, and tells us why he is optimistic about Africa's future.

The Africa I know is dynamic and innovative, creating solutions despite difficult circumstances.

For me as a South African, the defining example was the historic demise of apartheid and the election of Nelson Mandela as president of a democratic South Africa.

But in the decades since, I’ve seen countless examples of African innovation: in my career in journalism, at the United Nations, and now at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where we’re incredibly proud to support African innovators driving progress in areas from health to agricultural adaptation to gender equality.

A few months ago, in Naivasha, Kenya, I met Ochieng [oh-CHANG], a brilliant young researcher working at the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization. He’s part of a team that breeds chickens that are especially good at surviving drought and disease. But they don’t just raise climate-resilient birds – they also train smallholder farmers on how to care for them.

One farmer, Joan, told me how she used these chickens to build a successful business – and now mentors other women in her community on how to do the same. Another, Martha, keeps chickens in the hopes of making enough money to help her son fulfill his dream of going to college to study computer science. 

why Ochieng and his colleagues have spent years on research, breeding, and training: to unlock opportunities – and help people realize their aspirations.

That’s the Africa I know. One where progress isn’t just possible: it’s happening. And not just in Kenya – it's happening across the continent, thanks to thousands of people like Ochieng, Joan, and Martha who are committed to improving lives and livelihoods.

And that’s why, as long as our foundation exists, so will our commitment to Africa – and to the partners who believe that everyone, no matter who they are or where they live, deserves the chance to live a healthy life and reach their full potential.

Mark Suzman is CEO of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Cover photo: Mark Suzman on a recent trip to Kenya. Courtesy the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

In this short video, we hear from Mark Suzman, CEO, Gates Foundation, who grew up in South Africa and works across the continent in past and current professional roles. The video features imagery from a recent trip to Kenya, where he met with a team that is helping to strengthen Kenya’s food security through livestock research, vaccination, breeding, and distribution and training for smallholder farmers.

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Dr. Sherri L. McFarland, PhD

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Considered the continent’s sixth region, the diaspora has significant influence on US foreign policy—and sustainable development in Africa.

Finding My Power Among the Diaspora

Africa Union building. Nick Fox/Shutterstock.

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The Director General of the World Trade Organization, H.E. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, with US President Joe Biden. (AP)

In this timely interview we hear directly from the head of the World Trade Organization about Afica’s growing trade across the continent, and around the world.

In this timely interview we hear directly from the head of the World Trade Organization about Africa’s growing trade across the continent, and around the world.

Bolstering Africa's Trading Power

Drawing on her African upbringing, Director of the US Trade and Development Agency Enoh T. Ebong provides a both personal and professional look at the opportunities for US-Africa collaboration.

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Interactive: Africa Matters

Accomplished diplomat and former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Africa Akunna Cook details the work of her media production company, Next Narrative Africa, in helping spur greater investment and interest in the creative industries throughout the continent.

Smart policies and investments can help reimagine a more prosperous and inclusive creative network in Africa—and beyond.

Africa Is Ready for a New Narrative

Africa Is Ready For Its Next Narrative

Participants in the Mo Ibrahim Foundation's Global Governance Weekend.

In this Q&A, Wilson Center Africa Program Director Oge Onubogu talks with philanthropist Mo Ibrahim about his optimism surrounding Africa’s future in global politics. He also shares his thoughts about how other world powers can effectively partner with African states without taking advantage of their growth and influence.

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Unleashing the power of citizen-led, values-based governance.

Dr. Ezekwesili describes the work of #FixPolitics, a citizen-led initiative she founded in order to foster progress towards creating a sustainable democratic system in Nigeria and throughout Africa.

Creating Change Across Africa

Women leading processions against the military coup in Bahri City, Sudan, November 2021.

One member of the Sudanese Resistance Committees tells her story of defiance, risk, and triumph.

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We hear from Google's head of Pan-African institutions, government affairs, and public policy about Africa’s burgeoning technology landscape, and why she is so optimistic about the continent’s future.

Talking Tech With Google

In this photo essay, we look across Africa’s creative economy, with a focus on the music, fashion, media, and entertainment industries.

Culture in Motion

With its West African cultural roots, and mix of funk, jazz, and traditional African music, Afrobeats is growing in popularity around the world.  

Opportunities abound with the global growth of Afrobeats.

The World is Dancing to Africa's Tune

Emmanuel Gyimah-Boadi, founder of nonpartisan research network Afrobarometer, discusses why coups are gaining popularity again throughout Africa and offers solutions for how to prevent coups and restore faith in democracy throughout many African countries.


While recent coups are cause for concern, autocratic governance is not inevitable—nor is it irreversible.

Hostile Governance Trends in Africa Once Again

Given their shared interests, US military, development, humanitarian, and diplomatic support of Somalia serves both country's goals—and helps to stabilize the Horn of Africa.

Supporting Somalia's Revival

Clement Gibon reports on the disproportionate effects that climate change is having on Africa, and the role of climate justice in helping the continent--and the world--mitigate the impact of a warming planet.

Unveiling challenges, seizing opportunities, and embracing technology to provide climate leadership for the continent—and the world.

Africa's Climate Crisis

This piece highlights the work of many African entrepreneurs who are using food and traditional African ingredients to correct misconceptions about Africa, while also telling  diverse stories about the continent.

African entrepreneurship is driving creativity and innovation, in and out of the kitchen.