NEW YORK, USA – October 20, 2025: Africell, Africa’s only U.S.-owned mobile network operator, has expanded its successful collaboration with NBA Africa, extending the partnership beyond Angola to now include the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), The Gambia, and Sierra Leone.

The agreement, signed in New York by leaders from both organizations, marks a significant milestone in promoting youth sports and social impact across Africell’s four operating markets. Launched in 2022, the Africell–NBA Africa collaboration has already made a strong impression in Angola, where thousands of young people have participated in basketball programs, including Jr. NBA tournaments, training clinics, and basketball court refurbishments.

Building on this success, the initiative will now bring similar opportunities to youth in the DRC, The Gambia, and Sierra Leone. The expanded program will debut with a Jr. NBA league in Angola next month, followed by clinics and 3-on-3 tournaments across all four countries in 2026.

Africell Group CEO Ziad Dalloul said the expansion reflects the company’s commitment to empowering young Africans through sport. “It is difficult to overstate the magnetic pull that the NBA brand enjoys in Africa. Africell is thrilled to be expanding its collaboration with NBA Africa to the DRC, The Gambia, and Sierra Leone for the first time, and we look forward to sharing the stardust with our many young customers,” he said.

NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi praised the partnership’s impact, noting how basketball has transformed youth lives in Angola. “Our collaboration with Africell has shown us firsthand how basketball can inspire, empower, and transform the lives of youth. We are excited to expand into the DRC, The Gambia, and Sierra Leone – countries where Africell is already deeply rooted and where we can make a meaningful and lasting social impact,” she said.

The initiative aligns with the Africell Impact Foundation’s broader focus on sports and healthcare, leveraging basketball’s global appeal to promote teamwork, discipline, and community engagement while supporting Africell’s mission to connect and empower African youth.

_{Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the National Basketball Association (NBA).}