This is a first major step in the strengthening of basketball in Benin and the professionalisation of the local championship. Yesterday, NBA Africa and the government of Benin signed a memorandum of understanding for the development of basketball.

Victor Williams, director of NBA Africa, was present alongside former NBA player Ian Mahinmi, who initiated this connection, to formalise this collaboration, which will be carried out on various levels, including training and detection.

Represented by the Minister of Sports Oswald Homeky, the Beninese government thus confirms its desire to use sport as a priority development lever and to deploy an ambitious sports policy.

During the Sport Impact Awards held last March, the Republic of Benin was rewarded for its strategy for the development of sport in Benin combining incentive regulations, construction of infrastructures and professionalisation of the sector.

“The objective is to give the opportunity to all young Beninese passionate about basketball to believe in their dream and become great players,” the Minister told the press.

The president of the Beninese Basketball Federation Ismaihil Onifadé congratulated the signing, which should enable its championships to pass a new milestone and its number of licensees to increase significantly. The MTN telecom network, already a partner of the Ministry of Sports, has positioned itself as a “privileged partner of this agreement.”

With this three-year agreement and the in-depth work that will be done over the next few years, Benin hopes to become sufficiently competitive to enter the Africa Basketball League but will focus its efforts on promoting the practice of basketball among young people, especially in schools.