How the NBA and a Top African University Are Investing in Africa's Future One Startup at a Time

Mandy S
Jul 11
3 min read

Summary:

A new partnership between NBA stars and UM6P in Morocco is shaping the next generation of African entrepreneurs through mentorship, funding, and purpose-driven innovation.

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When professional athletes enter the startup world, most people expect flashy investments or personal brand expansions. But what unfolded in Marrakech this summer shows a deeper commitment—one rooted in social impact, education, and long-term economic development.

The Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), a leading innovation hub in Morocco, played host to One Court Africa, a four-day accelerator program where NBA players mentored African startups focused on social and environmental challenges.

The initiative culminated in $160,000 in funding for six emerging ventures through the NBA Innovation Challenge, underscoring the league’s growing commitment to Africa’s future—not just on the court, but in the boardroom.

“This wasn’t just a press tour,” said Amadou Gallo Fall, President of the Basketball Africa League (BAL). “This was about co-creating solutions for Africa’s youth and entrepreneurs.”

A League of Their Own: NBA Players as Startup Mentors

Held at UM6P’s Benguerir campus, a center for research and sustainable development, One Court Africa brought together African founders tackling issues like food security, education, climate resilience, and inclusive technology.

NBA players—including former All-Stars like Luol Deng, a South Sudanese-British player with a long record of philanthropic work in Africa—spent time offering hands-on guidance to the startup teams.

Each of the six winning ventures received a $25,000 grant, funded jointly by UM6P and NBA Africa, with continued mentorship planned post-event.

Deng said during the program: “Talent exists across Africa—we just need more courts, more labs, and more capital.”

Why This Program Matters

Africa’s startup ecosystem has grown over 250% since 2015, but access to early-stage capital remains a bottleneck. According to Briter Bridges, over 70% of African startups still rely on grants or founder savings in their first year.

This is where partnerships like One Court Africa can make a measurable impact: bridging startup mentorship, access to global capital, and purpose-driven innovation.

And there’s precedent. NBA Africa, launched in 2021 as a standalone entity valued at nearly $1 billion, has made strategic investments in infrastructure, media, and now development programs that align with local economies.

A University with a Broader Goal

UM6P has been described as “MIT with a Moroccan identity”—its mission, backed by the OCP Group, extends beyond traditional academics. It prioritizes applied research, entrepreneurship, and pan-African collaboration.

The collaboration with the NBA, then, is no surprise. Both entities aim to foster ecosystems, not just transactions.

As Hicham El Habti, President of UM6P, noted: “Education must be entrepreneurial, especially in Africa. We are here to build builders.”

What Comes Next?

While the NBA’s involvement in Africa has primarily been through sport, initiatives like One Court Africa show how sport can be a catalyst for entrepreneurial infrastructure. Startups from this program are now being linked with VC firms, accelerators, and policy advisors.

In a continent where 70% of the population is under 30, programs that combine visibility, capital, and mentorship are not just nice to have—they're critical.

And if basketball’s global reach can help turn pitch decks into real-world change, then let the game begin.

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