Safaricom has partnered with NBA Africa to launch a youth basketball development initiative to empower young athletes and offer them opportunities through sports.
This program focuses on Kenyan youth aged 16 and under and features regional and national Jr. NBA tournaments, NBA Fit clinics, coaching sessions, and an elite camp for top prospects.
The collaboration between NBA Africa and M-PESA will include four regional Jr. NBA tournaments across Kenya, culminating in a National Championship featuring eight teams.
Did you read this?
In addition to basketball competitions, Jr. NBA Fit clinics will incorporate life-skills seminars and financial literacy training provided by M-PESA Go, a product designed to enhance financial inclusion and literacy among juniors aged 10-17.
Accredited NBA Africa scouts and coaches will also contribute by training and mentoring junior players and helping to develop coaching capacities.
The top 100 basketball talents—both boys and girls—will be scouted during the regional tournaments and given the opportunity to join the NBA Elite Basketball Camp. These standout players may also participate in other elite development initiatives organized by NBA Africa across the continent.
Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa emphasized the company’s commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for young Kenyans through sports and financial education, noting that the partnership aims to develop basketball talent and equip young people with essential financial skills.
“Together with NBA Africa, we’re helping the next generation shape their futures on and off the court,” Ndegwa said.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed his excitement about growing basketball in Kenya and providing more opportunities for youth to engage in physical activity while learning life values through sports.
Safaricom offers exclusive data packages for customers to access NBA content, including live games, highlights, and customizable broadcasts.
This marks one of the most extensive youth basketball development programs in East Africa, with Safaricom becoming an official partner of the Jr. NBA in Kenya.
