Presented by

30 May 2024
Kigali, Rwanda
2pm - 7pm

BAL Innovation Summit 2024

The third edition of BAL Innovation Summit will be held on the sidelines of the Basketball Africa League (BAL) playoffs and finals slated for 24 May – 1 June 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda.

The BAL Innovation Summit aims to redefine Africa's sports innovation landscape, inspired by the game of basketball, emphasizing youth empowerment, economic growth, and development. This flagship event will foster collaboration and investment opportunities while showcasing Africa's brightest talents in sports technology and innovation.

The Summit will also highlight the creative identities of Africa through the lens of arts, culture, heritage, business and innovation, and mobilize the individuals who have the power to unlock opportunities and build toward a stronger and more connected Africa of tomorrow.

The league's flagship event will take place on May 30 at the Kigali Marriott Hotel bringing together leaders from business, technology, sports and entertainment to explore opportunities and potential of the creative and tech sectors across the African continent.

The overarching goal of our league is to build a robust sports business industry and an economic growth engine around basketball. The confluence of sport, tech and entertainment will provide a platform for the continent's leaders to inspire our Africa youth

Amadou Gallo Fall, BAL President

Inspiring, Empowering, and Elevating Africa Through Basketball and Sports Innovation

Basketball is much more than just a sport; it’s a global phenomenon that has left a lasting impact on culture and society.

Beyond entertainment, basketball serves as a powerful catalyst for positive change in society. Its core values of teamwork, camaraderie, and healthy competition make it an ideal tool to bridge social gaps and promote inclusion.

Programs like the NBA’s Basketball without Borders work with children globally, promoting unity and sportsmanship. In urban communities, basketball acts as a safe outlet for kids, offering opportunities for personal growth and development. This beloved game continues to be a rallying point for people worldwide, showcasing the transformative power of sports.

From its historical roots to the present-day trends, basketball continues to evolve and captivate audiences around the world. It brings communities together, transcending barriers, and inspiring positive change. As we celebrate the game’s influence, let us recognize basketball’s unifying force, as it truly proves that it is much more than just a game.

Program

1pm

Arrival of guests

2.05pm

Welcome remarks

2.15pm

Entertainment by Sherrie Silver

2.25pm

Legacies: Creating & Sustaining Impact for your community & beyond

3pm

Conversation: NBA Triple Double Accelerator

3.20pm

Break

3.35pm

Message from Akinwumi Adesina, President the of Africa Development Bank

3.45pm

Accelerating investment in the sports industry in Africa

3.40pm

Spotlight: Clare Akamanzi, CEO, NBA Africa

3.50pm

Accelerating investment in the sports industry in Africa

4.40pm

RwandAir fireside chat

4.50pm

Conversation: Private sector empowering sports innovation

5.35pm

Message: Mark Tatum, Deputy Commissioner, NBA

5.40pm

Closing by Georgie Ndirangu

5.45pm

Networking cocktail presented by Afreximbank

7pm

End

Speakers

Amadou Gallo Fall

President, Basketball Africa League

Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju

Minister of Sports, Rwanda

Acha Leke

Senior Managing Partner and President, McKinsey & Company, Africa

Amy Brooks

President, New Business Ventures, NBA

Clare Akamanzi

CEO, NBA Africa

Dr. Diane Karusisi

CEO, Bank of Kigali Plc

Dr. Julie Gichuru

Chief Public Affairs and Communications Officer, Mastercard Foundation

Festus Ezeli

NBA Champion, Sports Broadcaster, Storyteller, Philanthropist

Georgie Ndirangu

Global Moderator

Jules Ngankam

Group Chief Executive Officer, African Guarantee Fund

Luol Deng

President, South Sudan Basketball Federation

Masai Ujiri

Vice-Chairman and President – Toronto Raptors; Co-Founder – Giants of Africa

Mapula Bodibe

Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer MTN Rwandacell PLC

Nelly Mukazayire

Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Rwanda Development Board (RDB)

Patrick Mweheirwe

CEO Stanbic

Paula Ingabire

Minister of ICT & Innovation, Rwanda

Prof. Benedict Oramah

President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Afreximbank

Thierno-Habib Hann

Managing Director/CEO, Shelter Afrique

Sherrie Silver

MTV Award Winning Choreographer, UN’s IFAD Advocate and Founder of Sherrie Silver Foundation

Tammy Henault

Chief Marketing Officer, NBA

Vivienne Yeda Apopo

Director-General, East African Development Bank

Yvonne Makolo

CEO, RwandAir

Zizwe Awuor

Brand and Marketing Director, Safaricom PLC