NBA Africa convened leaders and stakeholders in Nairobi on Thursday, October 22, to examine how sport can build trust, strengthen communities and create opportunities across Africa. CEO Clare Akamanzi said the organisation wants industry voices to help shape that future.
Oliver Wyman estimates that Africa’s sports market is worth more than US$12 billion and could exceed US$20 billion by 2035. The firm also says sporting events can support tourism, investment, infrastructure and employment.
The Basketball Africa League has contributed more than US$250 million to Africa’s GDP since 2021, according to the NBA. Nearly 37,000 jobs have been linked to BAL games over its first four seasons. In Kenya, the M-PESA Jr. NBA programme aims to reach more than 10,000 young people through basketball and financial-literacy activities.
Akamanzi used the Global Trust Summit in Nairobi to question whether public commitments will be delivered: “Announcements are not enough. Do the public believe you will deliver on the promises made to them.”
