NBA Africa and Evosport, a subsidiary of Morocco’s Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), launched the first NBA Basketball School in the country and launched four Jr. NBA leagues, according to the country’s Morocco’s Agency (MAP) on Friday.
NBA Africa and Evosport signed the agreement at UM6P France, the university’s European branch. Key figures attended the signing ceremony, including UM6P President Hicham El Habti, NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum, NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi, and Basketball Africa League (BAL) President Amadou Gallo Fall.
According to UM6P, the school is the largest basketball development program for youth ever introduced by the league in Morocco, and Evosport, supported by Act4Community—an entity of the OCP Group ecosystem—will implement the initiative.
The Jr. NBA leagues will benefit nearly 2,000 boys and girls under 18 annually in Khouribga, Gantour, Laayoune, and El Jadida.
Meanwhile, the NBA Basketball School will provide the communities with access to top-tier basketball training programs, and over 200 local coaches will receive specialized training.
Speaking about the initiative, Clare Akamanzi highlighted Morocco’s enthusiasm for basketball. “Previous programs have shown us the incredible passion for basketball throughout the country.”
“Partnering with UM6P, especially before the BAL’s inaugural games in Morocco this April, allows us to significantly boost basketball development efforts and provide thousands of young Moroccans with opportunities to learn and play,” she said.
Hicham El Habti said he is excited about the collaboration, highlighting UM6P’s commitment to leveraging sports for youth development. “At UM6P, we believe in the power of sports to inspire and shape young minds.”
“This program aligns perfectly with our mission to foster innovation and contribute to Africa’s socio-economic growth,” El Habti added.
The initiative builds on NBA Africa’s prior efforts in Morocco, which have already extended to over 100,000 young players and coaches.