Bill Gates recently announced that he will donate virtually all his wealth through the Gates Foundation within the next 20 years, bringing the foundation to a close by the end of 2045. In his words, “There are too many urgent problems to solve for me to hold onto resources that could be used to help people.” This bold declaration is more than a personal gesture. It is a global signal that now is the time to act, to dream boldly, and to invest deeply in the people and ideas already at work transforming the world.

At the Policy Innovation Lab, Gates’ vision resonates deeply. As a space dedicated to reimagining how data, technology and partnerships can strengthen public problem-solving, the Lab exists to support practical experimentation at the heart of public systems. Whether working on digital social protection, supporting service delivery innovation, or enabling evidence-based collaboration across sectors, the Lab has always focused on inclusive development driven by local insight and global learning.

One of the most compelling elements of Gates’ announcement is his emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a force multiplier across sectors like education, health, and agriculture. This aligns strongly with the Lab’s ongoing work to explore ethical and impactful applications of AI in the public sector. From enhancing educational tools that support teachers to improving access to services for low-income communities, the Lab sees AI not as a silver bullet but as a powerful tool that, when guided by local context and values, can help close the opportunity gap.

This commitment to equity is also at the heart of another part of the Lab’s work: the Goalkeepers South Africa Network. As the South African node of the global Goalkeepers initiative launched by the Gates Foundation, the network is a social and community-driven extension of the Policy Innovation Lab’s mission. Globally, Goalkeepers is focused on accelerating progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by bringing together emerging leaders, sharing data, and telling the stories of those creating change.

Locally, the Goalkeepers South Africa Network nurtures a community of SDG advocates committed to making that global vision real in their own cities, villages, and institutions. It is where researchers, entrepreneurs, activists and public servants come together to localise the goals, build partnerships, and test solutions to complex social challenges. It serves as both a sounding board and a source of inspiration, reinforcing the belief that innovation flourishes best within strong, values-driven communities.

Across South Africa and other low- and middle-income countries, the need for this kind of joined-up work is urgent. Brilliant ideas often emerge from lived experience, but too many are held back by a lack of support. Gates’ pledge of accelerated giving affirms what changemakers have long known: that the future will be shaped not just by capital or technology, but by the people who are willing to build trust, act early, and stay close to the problems they are solving.

The foundation’s renewed focus on three global aspirations is particularly vital for countries like South Africa. These include preventing avoidable deaths among mothers and children, eliminating infectious diseases such as HIV and TB, and helping millions escape poverty by building more inclusive economies. Each of these goals addresses urgent, long-standing challenges across the continent. Combined with investments in education, nutrition, digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence, they reflect a holistic approach to development that speaks directly to the needs of low- and middle-income countries.

The Policy Innovation Lab stands ready to be part of this chapter. Whether through AI-enabled governance tools, research collaborations, or platforms like the Goalkeepers network, the Lab is actively shaping new ways of working toward the goals Gates has reemphasised: Health, education, inclusive economies, and a better future for all.  These priorities mirror the Lab’s own focus on locally driven, systems-based solutions. By aligning with these global ambitions, the Lab helps ensure that innovation reaches those who need it most.

This is a rare moment of alignment between global philanthropic ambition and local innovation ecosystems. It is an invitation to take what is already working and do more with it, together. The next chapter is not only Gates’. It belongs to all of us who are building the future from the ground up.