I had the privilege of attending the Africa Speaks Conference 2025, hosted by the McGill African Students Society. The event focused on “The Growth of African Basketball,” which resonates with my interest in sport development across the continent. The conference featured speakers from the NBA Academy Africa, the Basketball Africa League (BAL), and Giants of Africa, serving as a forum for insightful discussions on how basketball can drive change in Africa.
One of the most striking takeaways was the emphasis on basketball as a catalyst for opportunity and transformation. The conference highlighted how the sport instills discipline and structure, opening doors for the next generation to secure promising careers. The success story of Ulrich Chomche from Cameroon, nurtured by the NBA Academy Africa, serves as a testament to how talent development programs can change lives.
A recurring theme in the discussions was the critical need for proper infrastructure. The panel emphasized the importance of building basketball courts and collaborating with local authorities to create an environment conducive to safe sport development. Once this foundational environment is established, private investments become essential for further developing the necessary infrastructure and equipment.
The conference also explored the challenges faced by sport leaders in Africa. One significant hurdle is convincing parents to see sports not merely as extracurricular activities but as viable pathways to equip their children with valuable life skills and career opportunities. This paradigm shift is crucial for empowering youth to view Africa as a place where they can achieve their dreams and build successful careers.
Moreover, increasing the visibility of African basketball through media exposure was highlighted as a priority. Broadcasting games widely can enhance appreciation for the sport’s quality and combat prevalent stereotypes, thereby offering the world a new perspective on Africa’s potential.
The event concluded with a call to action for Africa to strive toward self-sufficiency in the sport industry. By becoming a legitimate option for professional careers, Africa can reduce its dependency on North American sport markets and cultivate homegrown talent.
Key Factors for Sports Organizations Globally
Regardless of location, certain key factors apply to sport organizations worldwide:
- Infrastructure Development: Sport organizations should prioritize the development and upkeep of facilities. By collaborating with local authorities and interested parties, these organizations can ensure athletes have access to necessary resources to build talent at the grassroots level.
- Youth Engagement and Development: Establishing programs that engage youth through sport instills values of discipline, teamwork, and leadership while providing a pathway for young athletes to pursue careers in sport.
- Media and Visibility: Boosting sport’s visibility is crucial for changing perspectives and garnering support. Organizations can improve media coverage of local sport events and athletes, increasing awareness and appreciation within communities.
- Parental Engagement: Educational programs can showcase the benefits of sport participation, not just for physical well-being but also as a means of acquiring life skills and potential career opportunities.
- Self-Sufficiency and Sustainability: Organizations should devise sustainable funding models by diversifying income sources through partnerships, sponsorships, and community events to ensure long-term viability.
- Talent Development Programs: Inspired by success stories like Ulrich Chomche’s, organizations can implement talent identification and development programs to discover and nurture local talent.
The Africa Speaks Conference 2025 was a powerful reminder of basketball’s transformative potential on the continent. It was a privilege to witness the passion and dedication of all involved, and I left with a renewed sense of optimism about the future of African basketball. As we look ahead, the challenge is not just to expand the game but to harness its power to foster growth, unity, and prosperity across Africa and beyond.
Media contact:
Robin Witty
rwitty@sportlaw.ca
647.649.4472