NBA Africa has announced the selection of 10 startups from seven African countries to pitch their products at a Demo Day on September 25 at NBA headquarters in New York City.
This event is part of the “Triple-Double: NBA Africa Startup Accelerator,” launched in April 2024 to support Africa’s tech ecosystem and foster the next generation of African entrepreneurs.
A panel of international industry leaders will evaluate the startups and select four winners, who will receive financial support, mentorship, and opportunities for further development through NBA Africa or its partners.
NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi praised the creativity and talent of the finalists, expressing confidence that the winners will drive growth in Africa’s sports and creative sectors.
“We have been inspired by the level of talent and creativity from all of the applicants, and we congratulate the 10 deserving finalists who will showcase their innovative solutions at Demo Day later this month,” said NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi.
“NBA Africa is committed to supporting the continued growth of startups on the continent, including the four prize-winners whose innovative solutions will further elevate the sport and creative industries in Africa for years to come.”
Among the selected startups are:
– Backrest (Rwanda): Offers a wearable tech solution, WristWrist, enabling cashless payments at event venues through wristbands.
– Buzza (Nigeria): Provides digital tools to help sports organizations transition from paper-based systems, boosting operations and athlete profiles.
– Festival Coins (Nigeria): Develops Tix Africa, a no-code platform for event registration and ticketing in Nigeria and Ghana.
– Gara (Côte d’Ivoire): A video gaming and comics platform aimed at expanding digital entertainment in Africa with localized games and adaptable payment systems.
– HustleSasa (Kenya): Supports live events with services for payment processing, attendee management, and influencer tracking.
– Naemo Global (Nigeria): Uses data analytics and AI to power Afriskaut, a scouting platform for African football talent.
– Power to Girls Foundation (Ghana): Operates My Power App, a mentorship platform focused on empowering girls and women through educational resources and a supportive community.
– Salubata (Nigeria): Produces eco-friendly modular shoes made from recycled plastic waste.
– UBR VR (Egypt): Offers immersive virtual reality experiences with cultural relevance for users in Egypt.
– Vambo Technologies (South Africa): Leverages AI to provide real-time translation and language learning tools, including niche African languages.
The Triple-Double initiative, operated by ALX Ventures, is open to early-stage African startups focusing on event management, AI, digital marketing, and youth development. The four winning startups will be announced at Demo Day.
