Using Sports as a Vehicle for African Development and Peace

Apr 06, 2023

“Sport has the power to align our passion, energy, and enthusiasm around a collective cause. And that is precisely when hope can be nurtured and trust can be regained. It is in our collective interest to harness the tremendous power of sport to help build a better and more sustainable future for all."

- UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed

In honor of the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (April 6), USADF is proud to highlight our partnership with the National Basketball Players Association Foundation (NBPAF). The NBPAF is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of its members and providing support and assistance to persons, communities, and organizations throughout the world that seek to improve the lives of those in need. 

In 2020, USADF and NBPAF entered a five-year strategic partnership to jointly fund development projects supported by NBPA members interested in creating self-sustaining change and development in Africa. Through this ongoing partnership, we have supported:

The Bismack Biyombo Foundation

Bismack Biyombo is a Congolese basketball player for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns. He founded the Bismack Biyombo Foundation (BBF), which works to improve lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through athletics, education, and health. In 2022, with a US$50K co-funded grant, USADF and NBPAF successfully supported BBF in hosting youth basketball and soccer camps in Kinshasa, Goma, and Lubumbashi and the refurbishment of three basketball courts. The camps were attended by over 2,000 youths. The focus of the camps including community building and sportsmanship as well as engaging youth in life skills activities with an emphasis on the value of education and teamwork. Through this project, BBF empowered DRC’s youth to be agents of change in their respective communities.

The Nnaji Family Foundation

This Nnaji Family Foundation (NFF) was founded by Ezekiel “Zeke” Nnaji, a basketball player for the NBA’s Denver Nuggets, and his family. Founded in 2021, NFF aims to positively impact the lives of youths through sports and education in the U.S. and Nigeria. With support from a US$50K grant from USADF and NBPAF, the Nnaji Family Foundation successfully constructed two basketball courts in Enugu, Nigeria, and held an opening ceremony that was attended by top officials in Enugu State. The construction of these courts have paved the way for future NFF programming such as basketball tournaments and STEM learning centers to provide space for communities and youth to have educational opportunities and develop basketball and life skills.

USADF recognizes the ability of sports to create pathways to prosperity in various African communities and inspire engagement across the African diaspora. We look forward to continued partnership with the NBPAF to accelerate the philanthropic work NBA players do worldwide.