Microsoft Co-Founder Bill Gates has projected that Lagos, Nigeria's economic powerhouse, will emerge as the world's largest city, underscoring Africa's increasing global significance in the 21st century.
Speaking at the Gates Foundation's Goalkeepers event held in Lagos, Gates emphasized the continent's demographic advantage, describing Africa as the "most fascinating" region of the century due to its predominantly young population.
"Africa is a very young continent," Gates stated. "More than half of all children born this century will be African. That youthfulness will shape global trends in profound ways."
Lagos as Africa's Urban Growth Symbol
Pointing to Lagos as a prime example of Africa's urban expansion, Gates remarked: "The city we're in today will, by far, be the largest in the world. That's going to make for a dynamic and vibrant environment, and the world will be watching."
The tech billionaire cautioned that realizing Africa's potential would depend on strategic investments made in the coming decades, particularly in health and education sectors.
"Whether this young population drives transformative progress will depend on the choices we make in the next 20 years. If we invest wisely, Africa's future is nothing short of extraordinary."
Gates' prediction comes amid Lagos' continued expansion and Nigeria's position as Africa's most populous nation. Urban planners and economists have long identified Lagos as one of the world's fastest-growing megacities, with infrastructure development struggling to keep pace with population growth.
The Goalkeepers event, an initiative of the Gates Foundation, brings together global leaders and innovators to discuss progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with a particular focus on health, education, and economic opportunity.
