Kenya: Safaricom & NBA Africa to unveils a Youth Basketball Program

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Safaricom, through M-PESA, has partnered with NBA Africa to launch a youth basketball development program aimed at empowering young people through sports. This initiative will benefit youths aged 16 and under through regional and national Junior NBA tournaments, NBA Fit activities, coaching clinics, and an elite camp for top Kenyan talent.

Through this partnership, NBA Africa and M-PESA will organize four regional Junior NBA tournaments in Kenya, leading up to an 8-team National Championship. The Jr. NBA Fit clinics will include life-skills seminars and financial literacy training provided by M-PESA Go.

NBA Africa-accredited scouts and coaches will assist in coaching and capacity building for junior players through training and mentorship programs. From the regional tournaments, the top 100 talents, both boys and girls, will be identified and invited to the NBA elite basketball camp, with opportunities to join other elite development initiatives across the continent.

For basketball fans, Safaricom is offering a bundled product that provides data packages for NBA content. Customers can choose from daily, weekly, or monthly offers to access all premium NBA live games, including condensed games and customizable broadcasts with various game angles and statistics.

The collaboration marks the league’s most expansive youth development programming in East Africa to date and makes Safaricom an Official Partner of the Jr. NBA in Kenya.

Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Peter Ndegwa, CEO Safaricom said, “Our partnership with NBA Africa for the Jr. Basketball Program underscores our commitment to opening meaningful opportunities for young Kenyans through sport and financial empowerment. This collaboration will not only help develop local basketball talent but also, through M-PESA Go, equip young people with essential financial skills to support their personal growth. Together with NBA Africa, we’re empowering the next generation to build their futures on and off the court, creating a lasting impact on youth and communities across Kenya.”