NBA Africa and University Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P), in partnership with EVOSPORT, have announced a groundbreaking collaboration to support youth basketball in Morocco. This collaboration signifies the most extensive youth basketball development initiative ever undertaken in Morocco by the NBA and establishes UM6P as an official partner of NBA Africa.
UM6P is a renowned Moroccan university dedicated to addressing continental and global challenges through innovation and human development. In line with its vision, UM6P has established EVOSPORT, a subsidiary committed to fostering a sustainable sports ecosystem in Morocco and Africa.
Under this partnership, EVOSPORT, in conjunction with Act4Community from OCP Group’s ecosystem, will launch four Jr. NBA leagues in Khouribga, Gantour, Laayoune, and El Jadida, engaging nearly 2,000 boys and girls under the age of 18 annually. Additionally, Morocco’s first NBA Basketball Schools will be established in these locations, with over 200 local coaches participating in Jr. NBA Coaches Workshops in each city.
The official announcement was made at UM6P France in Paris, where UM6P President Hicham El Habti, NBA Deputy Commissioner and COO Mark Tatum, NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi, and BAL President Amadou Gallo Fall were present to formalize the collaboration.
Akamanzi expressed enthusiasm for expanding youth basketball development in Morocco, emphasizing the country’s passion for the sport. El Habti echoed this sentiment, highlighting UM6P’s commitment to using sports as a tool for inspiring and developing young individuals.
As a key player in OCP Group’s ecosystem, UM6P has been instrumental in the group’s efforts towards sports development in Morocco. This collaboration with NBA Africa aligns with OCP Group’s CSR initiatives aimed at improving living standards through sports and other avenues.
This partnership builds upon previous successful collaborations between NBA Africa and OCP Group, which have impacted over 100,000 Moroccan youth and coaches through youth basketball programs. The new initiative reinforces the commitment to providing opportunities for Moroccan youth to thrive and reach their full potential through basketball.
For more information, contact Pawel Weszka at NBA Africa Communications (pweszka@nba.com, +27 10 0072666).
About NBA Africa:
NBA Africa, a subsidiary of the NBA, is dedicated to inspiring and connecting individuals worldwide through basketball. The organization conducts NBA business in Africa, including the Basketball Africa League (BAL), with offices across the continent. NBA Africa’s initiatives focus on increasing basketball access, social responsibility, media distribution, corporate partnerships, and more to promote the sport in Africa.
NBA games and content are accessible in all 54 African countries, with the BAL, a professional league featuring 12 club teams from across Africa, set to kick off its fifth season in April 2025. Follow @NBA_Africa and @theBAL on social media platforms for updates and news.
