NBA Africa and Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), through its subsidiary EVOSPORT, have unveiled an ambitious initiative aimed at fostering basketball culture among Moroccan youth. This strategic partnership will see the establishment of Morocco’s first-ever NBA Basketball School and the launch of four Jr. NBA leagues, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the country.
The core objective of this initiative is to provide young Moroccans with a unique opportunity to develop their skills and passion for basketball within a structured and sustainable sports ecosystem. The four Jr. NBA leagues will be introduced in Khouribga, Gantour, Laâyoune, and El Jadida, engaging nearly 2,000 boys and girls under the age of 18 each year. Additionally, over 200 local coaches will benefit from specialized training programs, equipping them with the knowledge and expertise to instill NBA-level values and skills.
This initiative is being carried out in collaboration with Act4Community, an OCP Group program dedicated to empowering youth through socio-educational and sports projects. UM6P, renowned for its commitment to economic and social development, considers this partnership a cornerstone of its vision for social innovation.
At the official signing ceremony held at UM6P France in Paris, key stakeholders emphasized the significance of the project. Hicham El Habti, President of UM6P, highlighted the transformative power of sports: “We firmly believe that sports are a powerful driver of youth development. This partnership with NBA Africa aligns perfectly with our mission to foster innovation and contribute to Africa’s socio-economic progress.”
Echoing this sentiment, Clare Akamanzi, CEO of NBA Africa, acknowledged Morocco’s growing enthusiasm for basketball: “Our previous initiatives in the country have revealed an extraordinary passion for the sport. Through this project, we aim to deepen our commitment by providing Moroccan youth with the right environment to thrive and compete.”
This collaboration builds upon NBA Africa’s ongoing efforts in Morocco. With support from OCP Group, Jr. NBA leagues have already been successfully launched in cities such as Benguérir and Khouribga, positively impacting over 100,000 young athletes and coaches. The new initiative represents another step forward in developing a robust and sustainable basketball framework in the country.
Adding further momentum to the sport’s growth, Morocco is set to host the Basketball Africa League (BAL) in April, an event expected to inspire the younger generation and fuel national excitement around the game.
Through this groundbreaking partnership, NBA Africa and EVOSPORT are not only promoting basketball at the grassroots level but also contributing to the professionalization of the sport, strengthening Morocco’s position in the African sports landscape.
