NBA Africa unveiled the “Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator,” aligning with President Biden’s Digital Transformation with Africa Initiative and reinforcing the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Africa strategy.
This accelerator, centered in Africa, targets early-stage startups across the continent, aiming to bolster Africa’s tech ecosystem and nurture the next wave of African tech entrepreneurs.
Operated by ALX Ventures, a prominent technology incubator facilitating access to skills and resources for African tech leaders, the accelerator focuses on startups developing solutions in event management and ticketing, youth development, AI, and digital marketing within the sports and creative industries. Startups can submit applications through tripledoubleaccelerator.nba.com until May 31, with the top 10 contenders selected for further mentorship and guidance.
The chosen startups will receive mentorship from NBA Africa and ALX leadership, alongside corporate stakeholders, focusing on product refinement, business expansion, and go-to-market strategies. A Demo Day is scheduled for September in New York City during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where participating startups will pitch to industry leaders.
Four winning companies will be awarded financial backing, mentorship, and opportunities to collaborate with NBA Africa and the Basketball Africa League (BAL) on present and future initiatives.
NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi announced the initiative alongside U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo and U.S. Trade and Development Agency Director Enoh T. Ebong at the American Chamber of Commerce’s Business Summit in Nairobi, Kenya. Akamanzi expressed enthusiasm for the program, emphasizing its role in expanding the African sports ecosystem and shaping the future of sports on the continent.
Further details about the Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator will be revealed in due course, underscoring NBA Africa’s commitment to fostering innovation and growth within Africa’s startup landscape.
