Tech Billionaire Donates Millions of Face Masks and Test Kits to Africa

Jack Ma, co-founder of Alibaba, has donated over a million test kits, six million masks and 60,000 protective suits and face shields to 54 African countries, to help the continent better tackle the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is a huge shot in the arm and a much needed contribution in our work to stop the spread of #Coronavirus,” says President Paul Kagame of Rwanda in a tweet upon receiving the first batch of kits. “I know the people of Rwanda join me in gratitude.”

The Chinese billionaire – who has also donated supplies to countries in Asia, Europe and America – says the Jack Ma Foundation is additionally working with local medical institutions across Africa to offer online training for coronavirus treatments.

“The world cannot afford the unthinkable consequences of a COVID-19 pandemic in Africa,” says Ma a statement. “As members of the global community, it will be irresponsible of us to sit on the fence, panic, ignore facts, or fail to act. We need to take action now.”