At the Doha Forum 2025 in Qatar, Bill Gates outlined a vision for leveraging artificial intelligence to transform agriculture and development across Africa. He described AI-powered mobile tools that would provide farmers with free access to advice from a “doctor,” “tutor,” and “farm advisor,” alongside access to better seeds and improved animal genetics.

Gates emphasized that these innovations could increase agricultural output up to five times current levels, positioning Africa to become a significant net food exporter. The approach aligns with the Gates Foundation’s decades-long commitment to improving health and agricultural productivity in the region, with annual investments totaling approximately $7 billion.

Evidence from pilot programs supports the potential of this strategy. AI crop monitoring initiatives in Kenya, for example, have demonstrated yield increases of 20-30% according to peer-reviewed studies published in Nature in 2023. By combining technology with improved resources and education, Gates envisions a future where farmers can optimize productivity, access essential health guidance, and expand educational opportunities, all from their mobile devices.

The proposal underscores a broader trend of applying advanced technologies to global development challenges, aiming to improve food security, economic growth, and quality of life for millions of people in Africa.