NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi has said that the upcoming Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa camp is heading to Rwanda at a time there is incredible momentum for the game in East Africa. BWB camp is a global basketball development and community outreach initiative co-organised by the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA). Previously held in Angola, Egypt, Senegal and South Africa, the 21st edition of the program will take place at Petit Stade, Kigali, from Saturday, August 23 to Tuesday, August 26. ALSO READ: Rwanda to host Basketball Without Borders camp 2025 This year’s camp will bring together 60 of the top male and female basketball players aged 18 and under from across the continent. They will learn directly from current and former NBA, WNBA and FIBA players, legends and coaches, while competing alongside peers from different countries. Participants will also engage in life-skills training, leadership development and social responsibility activities. “Basketball Without Borders Africa continues to provide a platform for top young players from across the continent to continue their development and reach the highest levels of the game,” said Akamanzi. “We look forward to bringing this year’s camp to East Africa at a time when there is incredible momentum around the game in the region.” FIBA Head of Players Unit Kimberley Gaucher echoed Akamanzi’s comments, saying, “Basketball Without Borders plays a pivotal role in East Africa’s basketball development, providing top young talent with access to elite coaching and valuable growth opportunities.” Gaucher said bringing BWB camp in Rwanda holds a particular significance, considering that the country has established a strong footprint in African basketball over recent years, having hosted a number of big basketball events like FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 Pre-Qualifying tournament last year and four Basketball Africa League Playoffs and Finals from 2021-2024 among others events which, he said, further underscores the country’s growing prominence on the continent. BWB Africa 2025 will be supported by Nike, a global partner of BWB since 2002, which will outfit participants with Nike apparel and footwear. The programme has reached more than 4,600 participants from 144 countries and territories since 2001, with 142 former campers drafted into the NBA and WNBA or signed as free agents. At least 14 former BWB Africa campers have been drafted into the NBA and WNBA since the first BWB Africa camp in 2003. They include 2023 KIA NBA Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers; Cameroon; BWB Africa 2011), 2019 NBA champion Pascal Siakam (Indiana Pacers; Cameroon; BWB Africa 2012) and 2025 No. 10 overall pick Khaman Maluach (Phoenix Suns; South Sudan; ties to Uganda; BWB Africa 2023). Seventy-two former BWB Africa campers have been featured on Basketball Africa League rosters over the league’s first five seasons.
