The National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) jointly announced the 20th edition of Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa. Scheduled from August 3 to 6, this marks the 16th time that the NBA and FIBA’s global basketball development and community outreach program will take place in South Africa.
BWB Africa camps have previously been held in Dakar, Senegal (2010 and 2019), Luanda, Angola (2016), and Cairo, Egypt (2022).
For BWB Africa 2024, 30 boys and 30 girls from over 20 African countries will have the opportunity to learn directly from current and former NBA, WNBA, and FIBA players, legends, and coaches. They will also compete alongside their peers from across the continent.
The campers and coaches, whose identities will be revealed before the camp, will participate in life-skills and leadership development programs.
NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi expressed excitement about bringing BWB back to South Africa, emphasizing the country’s growing basketball momentum.
FIBA Africa Executive Director Alphonse Bile highlighted BWB’s impact, calling it a crucial lever for basketball on the continent.
The collaboration between the NBA and FIBA extends beyond BWB, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), which provides valuable opportunities for African youth and coaches both on and off the court.
BWB Africa 2024 will receive support from Nike, a global partner since 2002, providing participants with apparel and footwear.
Additionally, Gatorade will keep players and coaches hydrated during the camp.
Notably, former BWB campers continue to make waves in professional basketball. Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers; Cameroon; BWB Africa 2011) became the first former BWB camper to be named NBA MVP, while Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers; Cameroon; BWB Africa 2012) is an NBA champion. Ulrich Chomche (Cameroon), drafted 57th overall by the Toronto Raptors in the 2024 NBA Draft, exemplifies the impact of BWB Africa.
Since 2001, BWB has reached over 4,400 participants from 142 countries and territories, with 127 former campers advancing to the NBA or WNBA. The NBA and FIBA’s commitment to basketball development is evident through the 75 BWB camps held in 50 cities across 33 countries on six continents.