South Africa

For more than 25 years, we have worked alongside South African partners to advance research, strengthen health systems, and support locally led solutions that help communities and young people thrive.

Featured Stories in South Africa

Our partners do great things when you get the right people together

Omphile with classmates at Tsholetsega Public School in Krugersdorp, South Africa.

A new type of toilet is changing students' lives at South African schools

Dr. Lee Fairlie

A new vaccine could change everything we know about tuberculosis

Tuberculosis
She survived drug-resistant TB. Then she found her voice.
Vaccines
The next big leap in vaccines: protecting babies before t...
Tuberculosis
A trusted voice in the fight against TB
Sanitation & Hygiene
A new type of toilet is changing students' lives at South...
Six picks from scientist Thulile Khanyile
We’re proud to work alongside partners leading efforts to save the lives of mums and babies, reduce infectious diseases, and tackle poverty across communities.

Overview

South Africa is among the most prosperous, innovative countries in Africa, and its R&D sector is critical to the future of the entire continent and scientific progress globally. But the benefits of this innovation and prosperity are spread unevenly. The country’s future depends on its ability to apply these assets to address challenges in health, social inequality, and lack of opportunity for the growing youth population.

We work with the South African government and other partners to help the country make progress in the following areas:

  • Development of new drugs, diagnostics, and vaccines for HIV and TB
  • Delivery of proven HIV prevention and treatment programs
  • Delivery of TB prevention and treatment interventions
  • Technical assistance and support for programs that aim to improve family health, agriculture, and water, sanitation, and hygiene
Paulin Basinga, Gates Foundation Director, Africa, shares thoughts as he is given a demonstration on how a TB vaccine is prepared at the Be Part Yoluntu Centre trial site in Western Cape, South Africa.
Paulin Basinga, Gates Foundation Director, Africa, shares thoughts as he is given a demonstration on how a TB vaccine is prepared at the Be Part Yoluntu Centre trial site in Western Cape, South Africa. ©Gates Archive/Sumaya Hisham
Michael Semiye Larayetan, CEO and Founder of Dean Initiative, and Goalkeeper Champion, distributes a mosquito bed net during the One Net One Child campaign in his local community in Gwagwalada, Abuja, Nigeria, on September 5, 2025.
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More about our work in Africa

Our work in Africa

We are partners in saving lives, tackling infectious diseases, and lifting people out of poverty across Africa.

Africa regional office

Our office in Johannesburg is the foundation's regional headquarters in Africa.

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