Bill Gates Awarded Ethiopia’s Highest National Honor for 25 Years of Transformative Impact











Addis Ababa, June 1, 2025 — In a rare and symbolic ceremony at the National Palace, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed presented the nation’s most distinguished accolade, the Grand Order of Merit of Ethiopia, to philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, recognizing the remarkable legacy of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s work in Ethiopia over the last quarter-century.

The special state honor, reserved for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the country, was conferred on Gates for his “unwavering commitment to Ethiopia’s health, development, and innovation sectors.” Prime Minister Abiy, speaking at the evening ceremony, described the award as a gesture of deep national gratitude, underscoring the profound influence Gates has had on the lives of millions of Ethiopians through his foundation’s long-term partnerships and development initiatives.

From Silicon Valley to Rural Ethiopia

The ceremony honored Gates not just as a global technology pioneer, but as a figure who has redefined global philanthropy. “From leading the digital revolution to fighting poverty and disease with humility and vision, Bill Gates’ journey is one of service and solidarity,” Prime Minister Abiy remarked. He highlighted how Gates’ philanthropic ethos has been grounded in “dignity, mutual respect, and the belief in human equality.”

Since its early engagement in Ethiopia, the Gates Foundation has played a pivotal role in supporting national priorities — especially in healthcare delivery, agricultural modernization, and technological innovation. Among the foundation’s most impactful programs are its contributions to vaccine access and disease prevention, maternal and child health initiatives, and the transformation of smallholder farming systems through sustainable agricultural practices.

Supporting National Development with Quiet Influence

The Prime Minister praised the foundation’s distinctive approach, noting its ability to support the country not with top-down directives, but through collaborative partnerships rooted in local leadership. “This is not charity. It is a partnership that empowers,” Abiy said. “Ethiopia has benefited from a model that listens before it acts, that learns before it advises.”

The Gates Foundation has been particularly instrumental in helping Ethiopia strengthen its public health infrastructure, combat infectious diseases, and improve agricultural resilience. More recently, it has partnered with the government on digital identity systems and data-driven governance to enhance public service delivery and economic inclusion.

A Milestone in Ethiopia’s Global Partnerships

Gates, who did not deliver a formal speech at the event, was visibly moved by the gesture, according to attendees. His foundation’s work in Ethiopia has often been cited globally as an example of effective, respectful development cooperation.

The honor also comes at a time when Ethiopia is seeking to recalibrate its relationships with international donors and investors — shifting away from dependency toward mutual development partnerships. The award serves as a symbolic endorsement of development models that prioritize capacity building, local agency, and systemic transformation over short-term aid.

A Quiet Legacy of Change

Over the past 25 years, the Gates Foundation has invested heavily in Ethiopia’s future—not only in financial terms but through institution-building, knowledge transfer, and advocacy. Its presence in the country has been one of continuity, innovation, and deep-rooted trust. The conferral of Ethiopia’s highest honor marks the culmination of that legacy — and signals the country’s desire to continue building forward-looking partnerships.

The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, representatives of international organizations, and development partners — many of whom noted that Gates’ recognition reflects a broader national shift toward celebrating sustained impact over performative aid.



With Ethiopia aiming to meet its ambitious health and development goals under the Digital Ethiopia 2025 strategy and beyond, the Gates Foundation’s model of philanthropy grounded in solidarity remains a guiding influence. As Prime Minister Abiy concluded, “True partners are those who walk with us not for applause, but for purpose. Mr. Gates has walked with Ethiopia for 25 years—and we honor him not only for what he has done, but for how he has done it.”