This is the BBC World Service where we're looking at philanthropy.

Some of the world's richest people are giving away billions of dollars to aid global development.

And what is clear is that giving big money away

makes news.

We live in what could be called the second philanthropic age,

not since the Rockefeller's and the Carnegie's have so many wealthy Americans given away so much

Now our foundation wants to do its part and so I'm pleased to announce to you that we're pledging an additional billion dollars.

Warren Buffett and Bill and Melinda Gates announced their idea of the Giving Pledge to give at least half their wealth away.

That would add up to about $600 billion.

Why are you really giving your money away?

We try to have an impact. It's fun work that we've dedicated ourselves to.

We're giving our money away because we believe that we can make the world a better place.

I'm Alan Kossuja.

Over the next three weeks on the BBC World Service, I'll be finding out what impact some

of this large-scale private giving or big philanthropy is having on Africa.

In this program I'll explore the work of philanthropy in healthcare and ask how it ties into big debates about the role of international aid.

If Bill Gez was in Africa trying to create the next Microsofts, I would understand,

but coming to cure our malaria, to treat the sick, feed the hunger, I find that

hogwash. Philosophy creates a dependency mentality.

That's journalist Androm Wender, who will be hearing more from later.

Big philanthropy is not new.

Over a hundred years ago, American oil magnet John D Rockefeller became the richest man in the world.

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