NBA Africa and Safaricom have launched the M-PESA Jr. NBA program, a multi-year initiative aimed at providing basketball development and financial literacy training to over 10,000 Kenyan youth.
The program will encompass regional tournaments in Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, and Kisumu, culminating in an elite camp for top players.
In addition to on-court skills development, M-PESA will conduct financial literacy workshops, empowering young athletes with essential financial knowledge.
Zizwe Awour-Director Brand and Marketing at Safaricom and Victor Odada- Head of M-
PESA Payment at the M-PESA Jr.NBA program launch at Sabis International School in
Nairobi
“This partnership with Safaricom marks a significant milestone in our efforts to impact the lives of Kenyan youth positively,” said Clare Akamanzi, CEO of NBA Africa.
Dr. Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom, emphasized that this collaboration aligns with M-PESA’s commitment to youth empowerment.
“Beyond basketball, this program aims to equip young people with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed,” he said.
Zizwe Awour-Director Brand and Marketing at Safaricom and Victor Odada- Head of M-
PESA Payment at the M-PESA Jr.NBA program launch at Sabis International School in
Nairobi.
How the M-PESA Jr. NBA Program will be run
- Regional Tournaments: The program will begin with four regional tournaments in major Kenyan cities: Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, and Kisumu. Each city will host tournaments for youth aged 13-16, with 20 boys’ and 20 girls’ teams participating.
- Skills Development & Competition: During these tournaments, participants will undergo intensive skills development sessions led by experienced coaches. They will also compete against each other in a series of games.
- Elite Camp Selection: Following the regional tournaments, the top 80 players (40 boys and 40 girls) from each city will be selected to participate in an elite camp at the prestigious Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa.
- Financial Literacy Workshops: Throughout the program, M-PESA will conduct financial literacy workshops for all participating youth. These workshops will provide valuable insights into financial management, budgeting, and saving, empowering young athletes to make informed financial decisions.
