NBA Africa and Safaricom Launch M-PESA Jr. NBA, empowering East Africa’s youth.

NBA Africa and Safaricom Launch Groundbreaking M-PESA Jr. NBA Program in Kenya

NBA Africa and Safaricom, Kenya’s leading technology company, have joined forces to launch the M-PESA Jr. NBA program – a significant milestone in youth basketball development across Kenya and East Africa. This innovative initiative is set to impact over 10,000 boys and girls in four major Kenyan cities – Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, and Kisumu – by combining top-tier basketball development with essential financial literacy training.

Dubbed “Go For Great,” the M-PESA Jr. NBA program is the most expansive youth development effort in East Africa to date. The program kicks off with an exciting blend of basketball clinics, regional tournaments, and financial workshops. It began with a clinic at SABIS International School in Nairobi, where more than 100 local coaches received specialised training. This initial session laid the groundwork for the forthcoming roadshows and regional tournaments aimed at youth aged 13 to 16.

In each city, 20 boys’ and 20 girls’ teams participated in intensive skills development sessions and competitive games. The top 80 players from these tournaments will be divided into four boys’ teams and four girls’ teams to compete in a round-robin format. The program’s best performers – the top 16 boys and 16 girls from each city – will earn a coveted opportunity to attend an elite “Top 100” camp at Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa this April.

Beyond basketball, Safaricom’s M-PESA will host financial literacy workshops throughout the program. These sessions are designed to empower young athletes with healthy financial habits, ensuring they develop as players and informed individuals who can manage their earnings wisely. By integrating financial education with athletic training, the program aims to equip the next generation of basketball stars with life skills that extend far beyond the court.

This pioneering partnership between NBA Africa and Safaricom underscores the growing commitment to nurturing local talent and fostering holistic development among East Africa’s youth. As the program rolls out across Kenya, it promises to revolutionise youth basketball and provide a platform where sport and financial empowerment go hand in hand. With the M-PESA Jr. NBA program, Kenya is set to inspire its young athletes to excel in basketball and build a secure financial future, truly embodying the spirit of “Go For Great.”
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[Photography Courtesy of NBA Africa]