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Exciting Return Of NBA, FIBA To South Africa: Basketball Without Borders 2023
Get ready for an incredible basketball event as the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) join forces once again to bring you the 19th edition of Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa.
This highly anticipated event will take place at the American International School of Johannesburg in South Africa, starting from Friday, July 28, until Monday, July 31.
Returning to Johannesburg for the 15th time, BWB Africa 2023 promises an unforgettable experience for young basketball enthusiasts.
This event will bring together 40 talented boys and 40 aspiring girls from over 25 African countries. They will have the extraordinary opportunity to learn directly from current and former NBA, WNBA, and FIBA players, as well as legends and coaches.
Additionally, the participants will have the chance to compete alongside their peers from across the continent, fostering camaraderie and healthy competition.
BWB Africa is not just about basketball skills. The campers and coaches, whose names will be announced prior to the camp, will engage in life skills development, leadership programs, and the renowned NBA Cares initiatives, promoting positive impact and community engagement.
As the popularity of basketball continues to surge in South Africa, NBA Africa CEO Victor Williams expressed his excitement about the return of BWB Africa to Johannesburg after 20 years since the inaugural camp in 2003.
This extraordinary camp will provide the best young players from the continent with a platform to represent their countries and learn directly from accomplished players and coaches who have excelled in the game at the highest level.
FIBA National Federations & Sport Director Zoran Radovic also expressed his confidence in the upcoming 19th edition of BWB Africa. He acknowledged the rapid growth of basketball in Africa, exemplified by the recent success of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) season.
This camp will not only allow young players to showcase their skills but also learn valuable lessons from experienced professionals on and off the court, nurturing their talent and potential.
It is worth noting that the impact of BWB Africa on the basketball world is undeniable. Thirty-eight former BWB campers were among the 120 international players who made it to the opening-night rosters for the 2022-23 NBA season.
Among them, Joel Embiid, who participated in BWB Africa 2011 in Johannesburg, became the first former BWB camper to receive the prestigious title of Kia NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP).
Another notable mention is Pascal Siakam, who was part of BWB Africa 2012 in Johannesburg and went on to become an NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors in 2019. Overall, since 2003, a total of 12 former BWB Africa campers have been drafted into the NBA, making the impact of this program undeniable.
The support for BWB Africa 2023 is tremendous, with Nike serving as the event’s global partner since 2002. Nike will provide participants with high-quality apparel and footwear, ensuring they look and feel their best during the camp. Additionally, Gatorade will keep players and coaches hydrated throughout the event, ensuring their peak performance on and off the court.
Since its inception in 2001, BWB has made a significant global impact.
With over 4,000 participants from 136 countries and territories, 111 former campers have advanced to the NBA or WNBA, showcasing the effectiveness of this development program.
The NBA and FIBA’s joint effort has resulted in the organization of 69 BWB camps in 46 cities across 32 countries on six continents, making it a truly international initiative.
Basketball fans, aspiring players, and supporters of the game have much to look forward to with the upcoming BWB Africa 2023 in South Africa. This prestigious camp not only promotes the growth of basketball in Africa but also provides a platform for young talents to shine and pursue their dreams in the sport.
The 19th edition of BWB Africa is set to create a memorable experience for participants and spectators alike.
With a focus on skill development, teamwork, and cultural exchange, the camp will nurture the next generation of African basketball stars. The participants will have the unique opportunity to learn from the best in the game, gaining valuable insights and techniques that will help elevate their performance.
The impact of BWB Africa goes beyond the camp itself. It serves as a catalyst for the growth of basketball in Africa, inspiring young athletes to pursue their passion and reach their full potential.
By bringing together players from different countries and backgrounds, the camp fosters a sense of unity and camaraderie, promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
As basketball continues to gain popularity across the continent, the success of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) exemplifies the immense talent and potential in African basketball.
The BWB Africa camp acts as a stepping stone for young players to showcase their skills and attract the attention of scouts and coaches. The exposure gained through this camp opens doors to opportunities both locally and internationally, paving the way for promising careers in the sport.
The partnership between the NBA, FIBA, Nike, and Gatorade further enhances the impact of BWB Africa.
Nike’s long-standing commitment to the camp underscores their dedication to supporting young athletes and promoting the sport at a grassroots level. With top-quality apparel and footwear provided by Nike, the participants will not only feel motivated but also look the part as they take to the court.
Gatorade’s involvement ensures that the campers and coaches stay hydrated and energized throughout the intensive training sessions.
Proper nutrition and hydration are crucial for optimal performance, and Gatorade’s expertise in sports drinks makes them the ideal partner for this event.
The return of BWB Africa to South Africa is an exciting development for the country and the entire continent. It showcases the progress made in African basketball and highlights the immense potential that lies within. The camp serves as a reminder of the power of sports to unite communities, inspire individuals, and create lasting change.
The NBA and FIBA’s Basketball Without Borders Africa 2023 promises to be an unforgettable experience for participants and basketball enthusiasts alike.
As the camp returns to South Africa, it reaffirms the country’s status as a hub for basketball development in Africa. The event will not only provide invaluable training and mentorship but also foster lifelong connections and friendships among the participants.
With the support of esteemed partners like Nike and Gatorade, BWB Africa 2023 is set to make a lasting impact on the future of basketball in Africa, empowering young talents to soar to new heights in the sport they love.
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
At least 12 local government areas in Kaduna State have reportedly been sidelined in the multi-million-dollar Urban Renewal Programme initiated by the immediate past administration of Nasir El-Rufai, despite ongoing repayments of a $350m World Bank loan secured for the project.
Stakeholders across the state have raised alarm over the alleged lopsided implementation of the infrastructural programme, with several communities in Southern and Central Kaduna lamenting neglect and abandonment.
Field investigations by Our Correspondent revealed that not a single kilometre of road has been completed in LGAs such as Birnin Gwari, Giwa, Ikara, Jaba, Kagarko, Kajuru, Kauru, Kudan, Makarfi, Sanga, Soba, and Zangon Kataf—some of the poorest and most underserved areas in the state.
Sources within the affected communities alleged that while construction flag-offs were conducted with fanfare, the projects never progressed beyond groundbreaking stages. In many instances, equipment was abandoned and contractors demobilised shortly after the ceremonies.
Transparency advocates and civil society organisations have described the situation as a gross injustice. Comrade Phelimon Andrew, a Zango-Kataf-based activist, called for a legislative probe into the programme.
“We can’t keep taking loans for political PR. The communities have a right to know where every dollar went,” Andrew said.
The World Bank facility, secured under the El-Rufai administration, was intended to fund the Urban Renewal Programme—a signature initiative aimed at modernising infrastructure across the state. However, critics say the implementation has been anything but inclusive.
Residents expressed frustration over deteriorating road conditions and failed promises. Musa Yakubu, a commercial motorcyclist in Sabo Tasha, said the abandoned roadworks have made commuting both costly and hazardous.
“This road was supposed to be completed under El-Rufai’s administration. Now it’s just a dust trap in dry season and a muddy mess when it rains,” he lamented.
Similarly, Gimbiya Musa, who runs a shop near the stalled Television Garage–Sabo Tasha bridge, said her business has suffered a 50 per cent decline in sales due to low customer traffic.
In Zitti village, Zango Kataf LGA, residents reported that children now play on half-graded roads while open drains attract refuse dumps.
“It’s a constant reminder of a broken promise,” said Ezekiel Haruna, a community leader.
A school teacher in Kafanchan, Fatima Bello, added: “El-Rufai gave us hope that Kaduna would be transformed. What we got were potholes, dust storms and traffic chaos.”
Garba Habibu from Birnin Gwari, one of the hardest-hit LGAs, called on Governor Uba Sani to probe the previous administration.
“This administration must tell us the truth about what happened to the $350m World Bank loan. We deserve answers,” he said.
An insider within the state Ministry of Works, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that about 76 per cent of the projects were concentrated in Kaduna North Senatorial District, leaving Southern and Central zones with abandoned sites.
A youth leader in Kaura also criticised the unequal spread of development.
“How can we keep paying back a loan and have nothing to show for it?” he asked, citing the stalled Yarbwan–Kafanchan road as an example.
In Birnin Gwari, plagued by insecurity and poor road access, residents said the failed projects have compounded their suffering. Government insiders confirmed to PUNCH that many of the affected LGAs never saw project completion or even contractor mobilisation.
“Everything was about media visibility and urban optics,” one source within the Kaduna Government House said.
Community leaders are now demanding urgent attention and equity in infrastructural development, warning that continued marginalisation may breed discontent.
Efforts to reach the Kaduna State Ministry of Works for official comment were unsuccessful, as calls and messages to key officials were not returned at press time.
The Federal Government has announced that discussions are underway regarding the safe and dignified return of 15,000 Nigerians stranded in Cameroon, Niger, Chad, and other parts of the world.
Alhaji Tijani Ahmed, the Federal Commissioner of the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), made this statement during a media briefing on Friday in Abuja.
Ahmed highlighted that there are currently no fewer than six million displaced individuals within Nigeria, while thousands of refugees reside in various countries around the globe.
“We have 15,000 Nigerians wishing to return to the country voluntarily, and we also have at least 100,000 foreigners residing in Nigeria as refugees.
“All of these fall under the commission’s responsibilities, to provide them with support,” he stated.
While reaffirming the government’s relentless efforts to ensure the safe return of displaced persons, Ahmed expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the assistance extended to the commission and the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
The NCFRMI chief also revealed that Nigeria will host the inaugural thematic meeting under its chairmanship of the Rabat Process, with over 100 delegates from the 57 partner countries expected to attend.
It is worth noting that Nigeria assumed the chairmanship of the Rabat Process—a Euro-African dialogue on migration and development—in January 2025.
Ahmed stated that the meeting, scheduled for 13 and 14 May, themed “Youth, Innovation and Education: Driving the Future of Migration,” aims to facilitate bilateral discussions between Nigeria and other nations, ultimately enhancing migration governance.
“Membership in these platforms offers opportunities for knowledge transfer and improved migration management.
“Nigeria’s leadership in the Rabat Process is viewed as advantageous, despite its one-year term,” he added.
The federal commissioner also addressed the challenges of managing migration, emphasising the need for adequate advocacy to educate younger generations about legal migration pathways.
“There is a necessity to inform migrants about the repercussions of irregular migration, which can lead to negative outcomes.
“The focus should be on promoting legal migration pathways to reduce the number of irregular migrants.
“Regular migration involves travelling through lawful channels, whereas irregular migration often entails perilous and unlawful methods.
“Irregular migration can result in hardship and danger, leaving many migrants unable to return to their home countries,” he remarked.
Ahmed, therefore, called for improved coordination and support from various stakeholders, including the media, to enhance migration governance.
Kano State’s influence in Nigeria’s leadership landscape was reaffirmed as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso were named top honorees at the 10th Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony organized by Authentic News Daily.
The event, set for Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Arewa House in Kaduna, will celebrate their contributions to governance and public service.
According to a statement by Governor Yusuf’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the ceremony will also honor Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, as the “Authentic Woman of the Year.”
Governor Yusuf will receive the “Authentic Humanitarian Governor of the Year 2024” award for his transformative leadership and grassroots development initiatives, which have significantly improved lives in Kano State.
Senator Kwankwaso, national leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and former Kano governor, will be recognized as the “Authentic Politician of the Year 2024” for his visionary leadership and enduring legacy of mentorship.
Themed “Religion as a Tool for Peace and National Unity,” the event will feature a keynote address by former Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Rtd). Prominent speakers, including Rev. Joseph John Hayab of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Sheikh Halliru Abdullahi Maraya of the Global Peace Foundation, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, will discuss the role of religion in fostering national unity.
The awards committee lauded Yusuf and Kwankwaso for their “remarkable dedication to public good” and “unmatched service to humanity,” noting that the honors followed a rigorous evaluation of their impact and national relevance.
The recognition of Kano’s leaders underscores the state’s prominence in Nigerian politics and highlights a shared commitment to purpose-driven governance.