Microsoft Co-Founder, Bill Gates has expressed optimism about Africa’s future, predicting that Lagos, Nigeria’s economic hub, will become the world’s largest city.
Gates described the city’s projected growth as a reflection of Africa’s rising global relevance in the 21st century.
Speaking at the Gates Foundation’s Goalkeepers event held in Lagos, Gates stated the continent’s demographic advantage, calling Africa the “most fascinating” region of the century due to its youthful population.
“Africa is a very young continent,” Gates said. “More than half of all children born this century will be African. That youthfulness will shape global trends in profound ways.”
Highlighting Lagos as a prime example of Africa’s urban expansion, Gates noted: “The city we’re in today will, by far, be the largest in the world. That’s going to make for a dynamic and vibrant environment, and the world will be watching.”
Gates cautioned that Africa’s potential will be determined by the investments made in the near term, particularly in health and education.
“Whether this young population drives transformative progress will depend on the choices we make in the next 20 years,” he said. “If we invest wisely, Africa’s future is nothing short of extraordinary.”
