South Africa

Featured Stories in South Africa

At a glance

South Africa is a global leader in African science and innovation, with a research and development base that drives progress far beyond its borders. Our team works with partners to help fully harness South Africa's capacity—applying world-class research, strong institutions and technical expertise to address persistent challenges in health, inclusion and opportunity, and to meet the needs of a growing youth population.

The latest stories on our work in South Africa

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.
Learn about our work across Africa

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.

Impact stories

Read the latest stories, research, and news from across the foundation and subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Optimist.