The Basketball Without Borders (BWB) Africa camp made history this August, as the NBA and FIBA hosted the program’s first East African edition in Kigali, Rwanda, gathering 60 of the continent’s most promising boys and girls for four days of intensive training and leadership development.
The 21st edition of BWB Africa, running from August 23–26 at Petit Stade and BK Arena, marked a turning point for East Africa. Past camps were held in Angola, Egypt, Senegal, and South Africa, but this was Kigali’s debut as host.
In total, 60 players from 21 African countries were selected, including two prospects from NBA Academy Africa.
International Coaches and African Leaders
The camp was headlined by legendary basketball figures, including Hall of Famer Tamika Catchings, former NBA stars Kerry Kittles and Marvin Williams, as well as Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee.
They were joined by Indiana Pacers assistant coach Lloyd Pierce, Minnesota Timberwolves assistant coach Micah Nori, and a leadership group of NBA executives with African roots.
Notable directors included Utah Jazz Vice President of Global Scouting Luca Desta (Ethiopia) and Toronto Raptors executive Patrick Engelbrecht (South Africa). Rwanda’s own Prosper Karangwa, Vice President of Player Personnel for the Philadelphia 76ers, played a key role in anchoring the camp locally.
Skills, Competitions, and Life Lessons
Campers participated in daily programs blending basketball training with character-building. Activities included:
-
Movement efficiency drills and offensive/defensive skill stations.
-
Competitions such as three-point shooting and 5-on-5 games.
Awards and Recognition
On the final day, outstanding campers received distinctions such as the Kim Bohuny MVP, Patrick Baumann Sportsmanship Award, Most Improved Player, Three-Point Champion, and Defensive MVP.
Community Outreach in Kigali
BWB Africa also emphasized community responsibility. Coaches and players joined wheelchair basketball clinics with FERWABA, worked with 100 elderly women through Shooting Touch, and hosted Her Time to Play workshops for young women in sport.
This holistic approach reinforced the event’s mission: developing future leaders both on and off the court.
African Success Stories
Since its launch in 2003, BWB Africa has propelled numerous talents into professional basketball. Notable alumni include:
-
Joel Embiid (Cameroon) – 2023 NBA Most Valuable Player.
-
Pascal Siakam (Cameroon) – 2019 NBA champion.
-
Khaman Maluach (South Sudan) – 2025 NBA Draft lottery pick.
So far, 14 African BWB alumni have entered the NBA or WNBA, with more than 70 featured in the Basketball Africa League (BAL).
Girls Roster – Kigali 2025
| Name | Country |
|---|---|
| Miraldina Buitchi | Angola |
| Synthia Mbeutom | Cameroon |
| Alexandra Djonkou | Cameroon |
| Malak Elhemaly | Egypt |
| Hana Mohamed Saad Ahmed Elbaz | Egypt |
| Yasmin Ahmed | Egypt |
| Tahina Oceane Rasata-Andriamasy | Madagascar |
| Lala Toure | Mali |
| Assitan Diarisso | Mali |
| Couda Keita | Mali |
| Maimouna Traore | Mali |
| Ines Bouboul | Morocco |
| Sabrin El Hilali | Morocco |
| Franca Iyamah | Nigeria |
| Enioluwa Oyedeji | Nigeria |
| Liliane Ingabire | Rwanda |
| Fatoumata Sall | Senegal |
| Ouly Seye | Senegal |
| Fatou Mbengue | Senegal |
| Liamisha Grace Aboo | South Africa |
| Magret Marieu Lual | South Sudan |
| Nyamal Nurah Gatluak Pathot | South Sudan |
| Namnyaki Isaya Mollel | Tanzania |
| Pendo Lashipai Laizer | Tanzania |
| Malak Chehidi | Tunisia |
| Shiphrah Kiranda | Uganda |
| Melissa Margareth Taliba | Uganda |
| Olivia Atima Amani | Uganda |
| Shella Mbulo | Zambia |
| Bupe Mubanga | Zambia |
Boys Roster – Kigali 2025
| Name | Country |
|---|---|
| Akram Saadaoui | Algeria |
| Daniel Nsalambi Agostinho Miller | Angola |
| Motheo Masule | Botswana |
| Wendkouni Marc Ilboudo | Burkina Faso |
| Yvesrostand Makembe | Cameroon |
| Joachim Basson* | Cameroon |
| Pascal Baruti Bauma | DRC |
| Mwana Ntemba Michael Djuma | DRC |
| Rami Magdy Abdelsayed Malek | Egypt |
| Belal Sohaib | Egypt |
| Ben Ayugi | Kenya |
| Wael Aguenaou | Morocco |
| Noah Mohamed El Baze | Morocco |
| Almoustapha Hama Ide | Niger |
| Ayomide Ibrahim | Nigeria |
| Moses Egbujor | Nigeria |
| Chibueze John Okechukwu | Nigeria |
| Mwesigwa Willilams Sean | Rwanda |
| Plamedie Bizimana Kayira | Rwanda |
| Gabriel Ndoba Mwimba | Rwanda |
| Pape Moussa Diallo | Senegal |
| Modou Khabane Gueye | Senegal |
| Mohamed Badiane | Senegal |
| Mohamed Mbacke Niane | Senegal |
| Siyabonga Mashaba | South Africa |
| Enzokuhle Mweli | South Africa |
| Ajak Aguer Akech | South Sudan |
| Thon Marial Bior Alier | South Sudan |
| Matong Muorwel* | South Sudan |
| Feisal Shukuru Mlanzi | Tanzania |
* Denotes NBA Academy Africa prospect.
A Growing African Legacy
With over 4,600 global participants since its inception, BWB continues to bridge talent with opportunity. For East Africa, this inaugural Kigali camp is more than a basketball showcase—it is a catalyst for community pride, gender equity, and regional visibility on the international stage.
As Rwanda continues to host major sporting events, from the Basketball Africa League to global summits, BWB Africa 2025 solidifies the nation’s place at the heart of African sports development.
Sources: National Basketball Association (NBA)
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
