NBA Africa and Safaricom have launched the M-PESA Jr. NBA program, a program aimed at developing young basketball talent and promoting financial literacy among Kenyan youth. The program will impact more than 10,000 boys and girls in Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret and Kisumu, the largest NBA youth development program in East Africa to date.
Program Structure and Key Dates
The first year of the M-PESA Jr. NBA program started with a coaches clinic in Nairobi with more than 100 local coaches. The program will have four regional tournaments in the following cities:
- Nairobi: February 22-23
- Mombasa: March 8-9
- Eldoret: March 15-16
- Kisumu: March 22-23
Each city will have 40 teams (20 boys and 20 girls), who will go through skills development sessions and competitive games. From these tournaments:
- The top 80 players will be selected to form 4 boys teams and 4 girls teams for a final round-robin competition.
- The top 16 boys and top 16 girls from each city will qualify for an elite Top 100 camp at Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa in April.
Beyond Basketball: Financial Literacy for Youth
In addition to basketball training, M-PESA will offer financial literacy workshops to the youth. We will teach healthy financial habits so the young athletes can manage their finances effectively.
NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi said:
“We are excited to tip off our multi year partnership with Safaricom. We look forward to impacting youth and coaches across the country through basketball development and life skills programming.”
Safaricom’s Youth Empowerment CommitmentSafaricom CEO Dr. Peter Ndegwa said the partnership with NBA Africa ties in with M-PESA’s 18th anniversary in March and Safaricom’s commitment to youth empowerment.
“Through M-PESA Go, this partnership goes beyond basketball. We are about nurturing potential, building character and equipping the next generation with the tools for success. By combining sports and financial literacy, we are enabling young athletes to develop their skills and seize opportunities at the next level.”
Growing Basketball in Kenya
The M-PESA Jr. NBA program will change the face of basketball in Kenya by identifying talent, offering structured training and financial education. This partnership bridges sports and financial empowerment so young athletes can excel on the court and develop life skills.