Basketball Without Borders Africa camp makes historic debut in Rwanda

KIGALI, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- The 21st edition of the NBA and FIBA Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa camp opened on Saturday in Rwanda's capital Kigali, marking the first time the global basketball development and community outreach program has been held in East Africa.

Running from August 23 to 26, the camp gathers 60 of Africa's top male and female basketball players under 18 for training, mentorship, and competition. Participants can learn directly from current and former NBA, WNBA, and FIBA players, legends, and coaches, while also connecting with peers from across the continent.

Speaking at the opening, NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi emphasized the importance of inclusivity in the sport.

"Basketball Without Borders brings together the most promising talent among girls and boys for several days of basketball. Participants have the opportunity to interact with coaches, trainers, and players from the NBA. It is a highly valuable program, and we are excited to have it here in Kigali this week," she said.

Akamanzi highlighted the contributions of girls to basketball. "Although sports have traditionally been male-dominated, more and more girls are pursuing rewarding careers in basketball and sports in general. Programs like Basketball Without Borders showcase to girls that they can excel too," she explained.

She also noted the importance of women coaches, who serve as mentors and role models, guiding young players on and off the court and inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in coaching and sports leadership.

Speaking to Xinhua on the sidelines of the event, Michael Finley, NBA Kenya senior director and country operations lead, described the camp as a global scouting platform.

"The selection process is rigorous. This camp identifies the next generation of players who have the potential to become professionals, whether in the NBA or WNBA. Today they may be young, but in a few years, many will emerge as professionals and represent their countries on national teams," he said.

Finley added the camp not only develops basketball skills but also emphasizes life skills, teaching young athletes how to manage themselves beyond the court. Olympians, top athletes, and NBA Finals coaches also provide instruction and mentorship.

While larger basketball markets often dominate, he said the camp also shines a spotlight on talent from smaller countries, ensuring that every determined young athlete has the opportunity to be recognized.

"Basketball Without Borders aims to unearth talent across the continent and inspire the next generation," Finley said. "With hard work and determination, the next African basketball stars will emerge from camps like this, potentially making their mark in national teams, professional leagues, colleges, and even the NBA."

Previous editions were hosted in Angola, Egypt, Senegal and South Africa.

BWB has reached more than 4,600 participants from 144 countries and regions since 2001, with 142 former campers drafted into the NBA and WNBA or signed as free agents, according to FIBA.

14 former BWB Africa campers have been drafted into the NBA and WNBA since the first BWB Africa camp in 2003, including 2023 NBA MVP Joel Embiid, 2019 NBA champion Pascal Siakam, and 2025 No. 10 overall pick Khaman Maluach.

72 former BWB Africa campers have been featured on Basketball Africa League rosters over the league's first five seasons. ■