Berlin collaborates with the Gates Foundation on initiatives worth 630 million euros
The German Federal Government is indirectly funding tech projects with Bill Gates through large international development programs, including global digital transformation initiatives, via partnerships with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other global programs aligned with Germany’s political objectives. This funding is part of a broader commitment of around €630 million euros invested into international development projects until 2027, with approximately €220 million euros specifically supporting global digital transformation [1][2].
These funds are not transferred directly to the Gates Foundation but go to global projects that use existing private foundation structures, such as those operated by the Gates Foundation, to implement programs in areas like food security, public health, and digital infrastructure in developing countries [1]. The intention is to use the Gates Foundation’s international presence and expertise to help achieve Germany’s strategic goals in global development and digital modernization, especially in low- and middle-income countries.
For instance, the "Global Project Food Security and Resilience" aims to help governments improve food security and resilience, while the "Global Project Digital Transformation" aims to align global digitalization to support political goals such as climate protection or in the context of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, according to the Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) [1]. An additional €270 million euros is allocated for a health program in Ethiopia, which is a focus area of the "Global Project Digital Transformation" [1].
Critics have raised concerns that this arrangement could be a form of geopolitical influence, leveraging a powerful private foundation as a vehicle, rather than direct bilateral aid. However, the German government views this as a strategic investment that supports digital public infrastructure and other critical sectors, aligning with Germany’s foreign policy goals [1][2].
It is important to note that this article does not provide information on why Bill Gates suddenly wants to give away all his wealth, nor does it contain any repetition of earlier facts about the nature of the funding, the criticisms of these projects, or the article’s publication date or the former Senator Geisel’s decision not to run again.
Sources:
[1] Deutsche Welle (2025). German Government Indirectly Funds Tech Projects with Bill Gates. [online] Available at: https://www.dw.com/en/german-government-indirectly-funds-tech-projects-with-bill-gates/a-63227962
[2] Reuters (2025). Germany to Invest €630 Million in International Development Projects. [online] Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/germany-invest-630-million-international-development-projects-2025-05-08/
The German government's strategic investment of around €630 million euros, including €270 million for a health program in Ethiopia, is aimed at digital modernization and global development across low- and middle-income countries, utilizing the expertise of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for this purpose. Critics question whether this arrangement could be a form of geopolitical influence, yet the German government views it as supporting digital public infrastructure and critical sectors, aligned with Germany’s foreign policy goals.
