In an exciting development for Africa’s burgeoning tech ecosystem, four Nigerian-owned startups have been selected to pitch their innovative business ideas to NBA Africa for potential financial support. These startups—Buzza, Festival Coins, Naemo Global, and Salubata—will present alongside six other companies from across the continent, competing for funding and mentorship under the prestigious NBA Africa Startup Accelerator programme.

NBA Africa’s ‘Triple-Double’ Accelerator

The NBA Africa Startup Accelerator, branded as “Triple-Double,” was launched in April 2024 to support the next generation of African entrepreneurs, particularly in the areas of technology and sports. The program aims to foster Africa’s tech ecosystem by providing early-stage startups with access to mentorship, capital, and other resources. The selected finalists will showcase their business models in front of a panel of international industry experts during the programme’s Demo Day, which will take place at the NBA headquarters in New York City on September 25, 2024.

This initiative is part of a broader effort by NBA Africa to elevate Africa’s creative and sports industries, helping to establish the continent as a global leader in innovation.

The Nigerian Contenders

1. Buzza

Buzza offers digital solutions that streamline operations for sports organisations across Africa. By transitioning teams and clubs from paper-based management to digital platforms, Buzza provides services such as website creation, payment processing, and revenue management. In addition to supporting sports organisations, the platform allows athletes to track their match statistics, maintain detailed profiles, and boost their visibility as emerging sports figures. This multi-faceted approach is helping to modernise African sports organisations and improve the professional development of athletes.

2. Festival Coins

Festival Coins is an event technology company specialising in a customisable, no-code event registration and ticketing platform called Tix Africa. Operating in both Nigeria and Ghana, Tix Africa enables event organisers to sell tickets, process payments, and manage on-site registrations seamlessly. With its streamlined user experience and efficient backend operations, Festival Coins is revolutionising how events are managed in West Africa, offering a scalable solution for small and large gatherings alike. This platform is essential for enhancing event organisers’ operational capacity, increasing revenue, and offering a more organised experience for attendees.

3. Naemo Global

Naemo Global is disrupting the sports scouting industry in Africa through its AI-powered scouting software, Afriskaut. The platform analyses football match videos, extracts essential performance data, and delivers this information via an API to clients, enabling scouts to identify emerging talent. By leveraging advanced data analytics, Afriskaut is enhancing the accuracy and speed of scouting, helping to identify Africa’s next generation of elite footballers. As data-driven decision-making becomes more critical in sports, Naemo Global’s innovative solution could transform how football clubs across the continent scout players.

4. Salubata

Salubata is an eco-friendly company that creates modular shoes made from repurposed plastic waste. The company holds a global patent and two design rights for its innovation, which aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the footwear industry. Salubata’s mission aligns with global sustainability goals, contributing to the fight against environmental pollution while offering stylish, practical products. The company’s innovative approach to sustainable fashion is gaining international recognition, positioning it as a leader in eco-conscious entrepreneurship.

Other African Finalists

The Nigerian startups are competing against six other finalists from across Africa, including:

• Backrest (Rwanda): Specialising in ergonomic furniture design, Backrest develops products that enhance comfort and productivity, especially in office settings.
• Gara (Côte d’Ivoire): Gara provides an online platform for car owners to manage vehicle repairs and maintenance by connecting them with vetted mechanics.
• HustleSasa (Kenya): A digital platform that allows creators and small businesses to sell their products and services through an intuitive e-commerce interface.
• Power to Girls Foundation (Ghana): This foundation runs My Power App, a social connection and mentorship platform that supports girls and women aged 13-20 by offering educational resources, a helpline, and access to mentors.
• UBR VR (Egypt): UBR VR creates immersive virtual reality experiences for educational institutions, aiming to revolutionise learning through interactive simulations.
• Vambo Technologies (South Africa): Focused on providing AI-driven solutions for language translation, Vambo Technologies is making African languages more accessible to digital platforms, enhancing inclusivity and communication across the continent.

NBA Africa’s Commitment to Innovation

Clare Akamanzi, CEO of NBA Africa, has been vocal about the organisation’s dedication to supporting innovative startups in Africa. She remarked, “We are incredibly inspired by the level of talent and creativity displayed by all the applicants. NBA Africa is committed to supporting the continued growth of startups on the continent, especially those that are driving innovation in the sports and creative industries.”

The NBA Africa Accelerator is designed to give these startups a significant boost, offering not only financial support but also long-term mentorship. Winning startups will benefit from workshops, development programs, and global exposure, potentially paving the way for future international partnerships and investment.

NBA Africa and Its Broader Mission

NBA Africa is more than just a sporting organisation; it is a catalyst for economic and social development across the continent. With basketball’s growing popularity in Africa, NBA Africa has sought to integrate sports into broader economic and technological initiatives. The “Triple-Double” programme is part of this larger mission, aimed at creating opportunities for African entrepreneurs in fields related to sports, technology, and creative industries.

The inclusion of startups focused on event management, AI, digital marketing, and youth development reflects NBA Africa’s holistic approach to building a sustainable and diversified economy for Africa. The platform not only nurtures sports talent but also enables startups like Buzza and Naemo Global to harness technology to improve the industry.

Africa’s Growing Tech Ecosystem

The inclusion of Nigerian startups in the NBA Africa Accelerator reflects the country’s status as a growing hub for tech innovation on the continent. Nigeria has been leading Africa’s tech scene for years, with its startups attracting significant foreign investments. The country’s vibrant ecosystem, often referred to as “Silicon Lagoon,” continues to produce cutting-edge solutions in fintech, e-commerce, and now, sports technology.

In 2023, Nigerian startups raised over $1.2 billion in venture capital funding, highlighting the country’s potential as a global tech player. The rise of incubators, accelerators, and government-backed initiatives has further catalysed the development of a strong startup culture, making Nigeria a prime candidate for programmes like NBA Africa’s Triple-Double.

Global Implications of African Innovation

The success of African startups has global implications. As the world increasingly looks to Africa for innovative solutions in technology and sustainability, programmes like the NBA Africa Accelerator provide a valuable platform for showcasing the continent’s talent. By integrating sports, technology, and business, NBA Africa is helping to create a global network that connects African entrepreneurs with international investors, mentors, and markets.

The upcoming Demo Day in New York is not just a competition for financial support but a pivotal moment in Africa’s growing influence on the global stage. The startups that emerge from this accelerator will not only enhance their local economies but also contribute to the global tech landscape.

Conclusion

The NBA Africa Startup Accelerator is more than just an opportunity for funding; it represents a stepping stone for African startups looking to scale their businesses globally. With four Nigerian startups in the mix, the programme highlights Nigeria’s growing influence in Africa’s tech ecosystem. As these startups prepare to pitch their ideas in New York, the world watches to see how African innovation will shape the future of sports, technology, and entrepreneurship on the continent and beyond.

The NBA Africa programme underscores the growing recognition of Africa’s entrepreneurial talent and the global potential of the continent’s startups. For Nigerian startups like Buzza, Festival Coins, Naemo Global, and Salubata, this is just the beginning of their journey towards making a lasting impact on the global tech and sports industries.

photo source: Google

By: Montel Kamau

Serrari Financial Analyst

16th September, 2024