BAL and Afreximbank Renew Partnership to Empower Africa’s Next Generation of Sports Leaders

Basketball is more than a game—it’s a catalyst for growth.

The Basketball Africa League (BAL) and the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) have renewed and expanded their multi-year partnership, continuing their mission to transform basketball into a platform for professional development and economic opportunity across Africa.

This renewed collaboration was announced during the Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 in Algiers, highlighting both organizations’ commitment to developing financial literacy, leadership, and entrepreneurial skills among African players, coaches, and early-career professionals.

A Partnership That Continues to Empower Youth

For several years, the BAL and Afreximbank have worked together to strengthen financial literacy and leadership among African players and coaches. Through the BAL Advance program, athletes have learned to navigate the business of sport while preparing for life beyond the court.

With the renewed partnership, a new phase begins.

Launching in 2026, BAL Advance: Next Play will offer targeted business workshops and networking opportunities, helping players and coaches sharpen their entrepreneurial skills and contribute to innovation and growth in Africa’s sports ecosystem.

Expanding Support to Emerging Talent

This renewed collaboration also broadens Afreximbank’s support to the next generation of sports professionals.

For the first time, the bank will back BAL Future Pros, a year-round program designed to equip early-career talent across Africa with the skills, experience, and networks needed to succeed in the sports industry.

Applications open this September on the NBA Careers and BAL websites. Selected participants will join BAL departments by the end of the year, gaining hands-on experience and mentorship.

Sport, Creativity, and Leadership Intersect

Beyond skill-building, the renewed partnership reinforces the link between sport and Africa’s creative industries.

Afreximbank will continue supporting BAL’s key networking and thought-leadership initiatives, including the BAL Innovation Summit, and is backing a new content series highlighting African fashion designers in sports.

“Basketball is more than a game—it’s a platform to showcase African excellence and drive economic growth,” said Amadou Gallo Fall, BAL President.

Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President of Afreximbank, added:

“With this renewed partnership, we are proud to support initiatives that leverage sport as a driver of innovation, collaboration, and opportunity across the continent.”

Shaping Africa’s Future Leaders

With programs that blend skill-building, leadership development, and creative expression, the renewed BAL-Afreximbank partnership opens doors for a new generation of African leaders—both on and off the court.

Are you a young professional eager to build a career in sports? Don’t miss the launch of BAL Future Pros applications this September. Your journey to shaping the future of African sport starts here.