NBA Africa Launches Accelerator for Early-Stage African Startups
Startups interested in participating can apply through the program's website by May 31st.
NBA Africa has launched ‘Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator’, a new initiative aimed at supporting early-stage African startups. The accelerator will focus on companies within the sports and creative industries, offering them mentorship and funding to aid in their growth. The areas of support include event management and ticketing, youth development, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital marketing. ALX Ventures, a prominent tech incubator, will manage the accelerator and oversee the selection process of the startups.
Startups interested in participating can apply through the program's website by May 31st. From these applications, the top 10 startups will be selected to receive mentorship from NBA Africa, ALX leadership, and other corporate partners. These mentors will guide the startups on product development, business growth, and market strategies. A Demo Day will be held in New York City in September, coinciding with the United Nations General Assembly, where the startups will pitch their ideas to a panel of global industry leaders.
The panel will choose four winning companies from the Demo Day participants, awarding them financial support and continued mentorship. These winners will also have the opportunity to collaborate with NBA Africa and the Basketball Africa League (BAL) on various projects and initiatives across the continent. This initiative was announced by NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi at a Business Summit in Nairobi, alongside notable U.S. officials.
“NBA Africa has always strived to help support the sports ecosystem in the region, and Egypt is no different,” said Mohamed Abdel-Motaleb, Vice President and Head of NBA Egypt. “Since the opening of our office in Cairo, we have seen firsthand the incredible momentum and enthusiasm for the NBA and the game of basketball in Egypt. Through the Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator initiative, we are excited to provide Egyptian early-stage startups with more opportunities to make an impact in Egypt’s broader sports ecosystem and our creative industries.”
NBA Africa, an affiliate of the NBA, aims to expand the basketball ecosystem in Africa through various initiatives, including the BAL, youth development programs, and corporate partnerships. NBA Africa has established a significant presence on the continent with offices in several African cities and has a history of promoting basketball through events and media across all 54 African countries. The launch of the accelerator program further signifies NBA Africa's commitment to nurturing innovation and entrepreneurship within the African sports and creative industries.
