Africa boasts several premier basketball academies dedicated to nurturing young talent and providing pathways to professional careers. Here are some of the most notable:
NBA Academy Africa (Saly, Senegal)
Established in 2017, NBA Academy Africa is an elite training center for top male and female prospects across the continent. The academy combines basketball development with education, offering two indoor courts, dormitories, and classrooms. Notable alumni include Ibou Badji (Portland Trail Blazers), Mohab Yasser (Zamalek/BAL champion), and Ulrich Chomche (2024 NBA Draft pick).
SEED Academy (Thiès, Senegal)
Launched in 2002, SEED Academy is Africa’s first basketball student-athlete academy. It provides up to 40 high-potential boys and girls with comprehensive training and academic support, aiming to prepare them for university opportunities.
Giants of Africa (Pan-Africa)
Founded by Masai Ujiri, President of the Toronto Raptors, Giants of Africa focuses on empowering youth through basketball camps, court construction, and leadership programs across the continent. The organization has been instrumental in developing infrastructure and providing opportunities for young athletes.
NBA Basketball School (New Giza, Egypt)
Set to launch in January 2025, this will be the first NBA Basketball School in Africa. Operated by New Era Education at Uppingham School Cairo, it will offer year-round, tuition-based basketball development programs for youth aged 5-18.
Bright Futures Academy (Harare, Zimbabwe)
Bright Futures Academy provides basketball training and educational opportunities for young athletes in Zimbabwe. The academy emphasizes skill development and academic excellence, aiming to produce well-rounded individuals prepared for collegiate and professional opportunities.
These academies are at the forefront of developing basketball talent in Africa, offering structured programs that combine athletic training with educational and personal development.
