Latest news with #GiantsOfAfrica
Forbes
3 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Zaria Court Opens In Kigali, Unveiling A Scalable Model For Africa's Sports And Creative Economy
Managing Partner of Zaria Group, Andrew Feinstein, speaking at the opening of Zaria Court Supplied/Giants Of Africa Last night, Kigali celebrated the official unveiling of Zaria Court, a landmark development redefining the city's role as Africa's rising capital of sports, culture, and innovation. Strategically positioned adjacent to the iconic BK Arena and the newly renovated Amahoro Stadium, Zaria Court is more than a mixed-use real estate project, it embodies Rwanda's ambitious vision and serves as a scalable blueprint for African cities aiming to integrate infrastructure with creativity, culture, and community Zaria Court Kigali is the first physical realisation of Zaria Group's arena ecosystem strategy, co-founded by Masai Ujiri and thoughtfully adapted to Africa's cultural and economic landscape. Purpose-built for the continent's youthful and urban population, the development fuses inclusive public spaces with long-term economic opportunity. Ahead of the unveiling, Managing Partner Andrew Feinstein spoke to about the $26 million project, backed by Helios Investment Partners through its Helios Sports and Entertainment Fund. He described it as 'a launchpad for Africa's sports and creative economy.' Masai Ujiri and H.E. President Paul Kagame Unveiling A Plaque At The Opening During The GOA Festival Supplied/Giants Of Africa Situated between two of Rwanda's most iconic venues, Zaria Court reflects more than architectural ambition; it symbolises the realisation of a bold, long-term vision. 'President Kagame had the foresight to build BK Arena and completely revamp Amahoro Stadium, not just to create a venue but to create a cultural commons,' said Feinstein. Zaria Court answers that call. It stands as proof of concept for how intentional infrastructure can drive economic, cultural, and creative momentum in Africa's urban centres. But bringing this vision to life came with significant hurdles. Financing a first-of-its-kind project on the continent meant navigating unfamiliar and often complex terrain. Zaria Group assembled a diverse group of shareholders, including Helios as a primary investor. Additional backing came from domestic partners, most notably debt financing from the Bank of Kigali, a signal of local belief in the long-term viability of the project. That hybrid investment model, a blend of international trust and local conviction, was key. With Zaria Court Kigali now complete and operational, interest is growing quickly. 'We are fielding lots of calls and inquiries,' Feinstein shared. ''Where's your second one? How can I get involved? How can I invest?' We're actively having those conversations now.' One of the clearest signs of Zaria Court's impact lies in its employment footprint. The project generated 500 jobs during its construction phase, but its economic contribution didn't end there. According to Zaria Group, those 500 roles included not only construction workers but also employees across hospitality, events, retail, and site operations. Notably, 90% of those hired were locals, a deliberate move that reflects the company's commitment to empowering the Rwandan workforce. 'We really want to amplify local voices and local leaders with our campus,' said Feinstein. With over 100 employees already working across the hotel and events teams, and more to come through retail activations and cultural programming, Zaria Court is proving itself as a sustainable, job-generating hub. The extended impact also includes suppliers, event technicians, security, cleaners, and production staff, forming an ecosystem with long-term benefits for Rwanda's economy. A New Era of Inclusive Excellence The Giants of Africa Festival returned to Kigali this summer for a week of music, basketball, ... More culture and fashion, while uniting youth from 20 African nations for a life-changing experience. Supplied/Giants Of Africa Zaria Court officially opened its doors with the Giants of Africa Festival, a week-long celebration featuring basketball clinics, life-skills workshops, cultural showcases, and performances. But to Feinstein, the event represented much more than a ceremonial launch. 'Hopefully, the Giants of Africa Festival shows how we can take big-stage moments and pair them with grassroots access,' he said. With youth from over 20 African countries participating, the event aligned perfectly with Zaria Court's vision of inclusive excellence. 'We want to prove that being world-class doesn't mean we're exclusive,' Feinstein emphasised. 'Inclusivity is key.' The festival will activate the entire Zaria Court campus with a blend of culture, sport, and community, a fashion show, an all-star basketball game featuring youth participants, and a slate of creative activations infused with local flavour. It marked the beginning of Zaria Court's role as a place where Kigali's culture is not just displayed but cultivated. But Feinstein is clear that the real value will be demonstrated over time: 'Sustained venue bookings, repeat business, and local foot traffic, those are the indicators that this model works, not just in Kigali, but across Africa.' Working closely with the Rwanda Development Board, Zaria Group aligned the development with a broader national mandate to expand local entertainment and cultural options. While Rwanda is internationally recognised as a convention and eco-tourism destination, Feinstein believes there is room to grow: 'We still want more things for people to do when they're in Kigali.' Repeat engagement, he argues, is essential. 'We don't want people just to visit, we want them to return. That's how we deliver real value to Rwanda.' A Scalable Model Across Africa Zaria Court is positioned next to the iconic BK Arena and the newly renovated Amahoro Stadium Supplied/Giants Of Africa Zaria Court Kigali may be the first, but it won't be the last. Zaria Group plans to expand into major urban centres across Africa, aiming to have five flagship Zaria Court sites open or in development by 2030. But this isn't a volume play, it's a mission-driven expansion rooted in authenticity and local resonance. 'There are some major markets in Africa that, if you want to grow your brand, you have to look at,' Feinstein said, pointing to Lagos, Abidjan, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Accra, and Dakar. 'Should we be so fortunate? All the above.' But the model is not a template to be blindly replicated. 'We're honing in on what it really takes to be a Zaria Court,' Feinstein explained. 'You need a place to play sports, a place to stay, a place to convene, some sort of event space, a sports bar, and a retail footprint that supports local entrepreneurs.' The site must also have a story. 'Ideally, any site we tackle has cultural resonance and history,' he said. 'It's not just about geography, it's about identity.' That philosophy is evident in Kigali. The Zaria Court campus repurposes a major modernist structure that once housed the UN during the Rwandan genocide, a gesture of remembrance and rebirth. This focus on legacy and cultural grounding is what Feinstein believes makes Zaria Court relevant and replicable across Africa. 'It's not a cookie-cutter model. It's a blueprint that breathes.' A Public-Private Success Story H.E President Paul Kagame and Masai Ujiri During The Opening Of Zaria Court In Kigali, Rwanda Supplied/ Giants Of Africa Key to Zaria Court's execution was Rwanda's government, which Feinstein described as 'being firmly in the 'yes' business.' He contrasted that approach with some of his experiences in other markets, particularly in the U.S., where development can be delayed by bureaucracy and red tape. 'For any businessperson trying to create something, you want to work with partners who are enablers, not blockers,' he said. 'In Rwanda, the government is a real partner in development.' That alignment between public and private sectors helped accelerate the process, from planning and permitting to financing and implementation. Feinstein emphasised that Zaria Group is not here for short-term gains. 'We're not here to extract value. We're long-term stakeholders, long-term investors, and long-term partners.' The company is also committed to regenerating existing infrastructure. 'We believe in revitalising old sports complexes, underutilised land, and disused urban assets. Zaria Court is proof that these spaces can become engines of growth.' This collaboration between government, investors, and local communities offers a new model for how large-scale developments can unlock opportunity across the continent. Weathering the Storm: Building Through Crisis Launching Zaria Court was not without setbacks. The initial planning began during the COVID-19 pandemic, and while global economies were still reeling, construction costs surged, interest rates climbed, and supply chains collapsed. Currency fluctuations added further stress. 'We encountered all the big ones,' Feinstein said. 'But you fight for your projects. You don't fight with your projects.' Aliko Dangote, in attendance at the opening of Zaria Court Supplied/ Giants Of Africa That mindset of resilience and flexibility became a guiding principle. The Bank of Kigali worked with the team to restructure debt when necessary, and Zaria Group's African shareholder base, many of whom had weathered economic turbulence before, stood by the project. Transparent communication helped maintain alignment through uncertainty. 'It's actually good to build when it's tough,' said Feinstein. 'Because usually you're opening when things are better.' That perseverance, he added, laid the groundwork for long-term impact. A Legacy That Lives Beyond the Venue Zaria Court's infrastructure may be world-class, but Feinstein is more focused on what it enables. 'I hope that in five to ten years, there will be five more Zaria Courts across Africa,' he shared. 'But more importantly, I hope Zaria Court is the place where future leaders get their first job, take their first shot, perform on their first stage, or incubate their first business.' It's a powerful reimagining of what infrastructure can do, not just in terms of economic output, but in how it shapes identity, opportunity, and aspiration. Zaria Court aims to be a place where possibility is realised and talent is nurtured, a true launchpad. For Kigali, this is just the beginning. But if Zaria Group's vision holds, this model could help define how Africa builds, not only its infrastructure, but its future.
Forbes
a day ago
- Sport
- Forbes
Inside The Giants Of Africa Festival With Coach Joe Touomou
The GOA Festival Opening Show which included a parade young athletes from 20 African nations. In Kigali, Rwanda, the air is charged with excitement. Beats bounce off basketball courts, and hope glimmers in the eyes of young athletes from 20 different African nations. It's the second edition of the week-long Giants of Africa Festival, and amid the vibrant energy, one figure moves with quiet purpose: Coach Joe Touomou. His name might not dominate headlines, but his legacy is inscribed in the journeys of countless players, in the transformation of grassroots basketball, and in the very fabric of Giants of Africa. For Coach Joe who is the Giants of Africa's coach for West Africa, this isn't just another event. It's a mission. 'You can be tired, but when you see all these kids dancing together from different countries, enjoying each other's music, it gives you energy,' he shared with ahead of the festival, smiling with pride and humility. A Brotherhood Built on Purpose: The Early Days For someone who has dedicated his life to unlocking the potential of African youth through basketball, his journey with Giants of Africa is deeply personal. When asked what initially drew him to the initiative, he highlights a shared brotherhood that predates the movement's rise to prominence across the continent. "When Masai and Godwin started this program, we were just young college graduates," he recalls. At that time, Godwin Owinje, co-founder of Giants of Africa and a scout for the Brooklyn Nets, was his teammate at Georgetown University. Meanwhile, Masai Ujiri, former vice chairman and president of the Toronto Raptors, was already a familiar face from their days on the junior national team. This familiarity established a foundation for a lifelong bond rooted in a shared purpose. 4 Jan 1999: Joseph Touomou #4 of the Georgetown Hoyas in action during the game against the Seton ... More Hall Pirates at the Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Pirates defeated the Hoyas 61-72. Mandatory Credit: Al Bello /Allsport During that time, Coach Joe was already running a basketball program in Cameroon. However, what Ujiri and Owinje were doing in Nigeria, then known as the 'Top 50 Camps,' caught his attention. 'They were bringing all these talented players from all over Nigeria,' he recalls. 'I was eager to give back, share my knowledge, and offer opportunities I didn't have. I was excited to join them and travel to Nigeria in the beginning.' Those early camps were modest, with duffel bags filled with donated sneakers, t-shirts, and uniforms. Today, Giants of Africa is a fully-fledged organisation with nearly 100 people working behind the scenes. 'We were sitting in a room the other day, and I said, 'Wow, I cannot believe we've come this far.'' That growth reflects more than just scale; it demonstrates a lasting impact. Despite his family life in the U.S. and responsibilities at the NBA Academy in Senegal, Coach Joe consistently found time to give back to the continent. 'I was still able to take time from my break to spend four weeks with Giants of Africa, touring with Masai and Godwin and running camps.' When asked why he makes this effort, his answer is simple: 'I think I just got addicted to the Giants of Africa spirit.' This spirit is defined by empowerment, unity, and a desire to give back. From Scarcity to Opportunity Coach Joe's passion is rooted in his own story, one defined by resilience and limited resources. Growing up in Cameroon, basketball looked very different for him. 'We didn't have opportunities like this. No cable TV, no internet, no shoes, no courts,' he recalls. He and Ujiri were part of a generation inspired by pioneers such as Hakeem Olajuwon and Dikembe Mutombo. 'We were probably the third generation of Africans to attend college in the U.S., and even then, we were just figuring it out.' This gap between ambition and access is what Giants of Africa seeks to bridge. 'Masai didn't just become an NBA team president; he became someone African youth could see and believe in. We didn't have that growing up.' Today, over 6,000 young people across the continent have participated in Giants of Africa camps. 'Many of these kids have gone on to college. Some have become doctors, architects, and financial advisors. Basketball is just the vehicle for their success.' Watching this transformation firsthand is what has kept Coach Joe motivated. 'You come to the festival and see kids in full uniforms, dancing, smiling, and learning. For those of us who grew up without anything close to this, it's emotional. It inspires you to keep doing more.' Giants Of Africa: A Festival of Unity and Hope For many athletes, the Giants of Africa Festival isn't just a camp, it's a gateway. And for Coach Joe, who has attended tournaments across Africa, this one stands apart. 'I've been everywhere for basketball, from AfroBasket to local games. But this festival is something else. It's unique.' That uniqueness is felt in Kigali. In its inaugural edition, the Rwandan capital embraced the festival with open arms. Streets were lined with banners, local vendors flourished, and volunteers gained valuable experience. The ripple effect was immediate, economically, socially, and emotionally. However, it's the human moments that left the biggest impression. Cameroonian Campers In Their Traditional Regalia During The Opening Ceremony Of The 2025 GOA ... More Festival Held At BK Arena 'Seeing a kid from Somalia hug one from South Africa, or a Cameroonian coach exchanging ideas with someone from Tanzania, that's unity. That's the dream. It's like the Olympics for Africa's youth.' Many participants were stepping out of their home countries and comfort zones for the very first time. 'Eighty per cent of those kids had never flown before,' Joe explained. For many, stepping off that plane was their first glimpse into a different kind of reality for themselves as Africans. 'And then to land in Kigali, such a clean, orderly city, opens their eyes. They see a different version of what Africa can be.' One standout moment? Their participation in Umuganda, Rwanda's monthly community service day. The GOA Festival this year once again partnered with the Imbuto Foundation and Ministry of Youth and ... More Arts to participate in Umuganda ahead of the start of the festival. 'All of them still talk about it,' he added. 'They couldn't believe how the whole community comes together to clean their neighbourhoods. It showed them another way of life, of collective responsibility and pride.' This year, as Giants of Africa returns to Kigali with 20 countries and four coaches per team, the vision is expanding. 'This one will be even bigger, and the impact, even greater,' Joe says. It's Never Too Early, Never Too Late PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 05: Joel Embiid () #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers hoist the MVP ... More trophy after being named 2022-23 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player prior to game three of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Wells Fargo Center on May 05, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) One of the most powerful messages echoed throughout the Giants of Africa festival is that greatness has no fixed timeline. Whether you start at 14 or 17, what matters most is belief, discipline, and opportunity. Coach Joe speaks to this with conviction, drawing on two deeply personal success stories that represent opposite ends of the developmental spectrum: Joel Embiid and Ulrich Chomche. 'What Embiid has brought to the game, for a kid who started playing basketball at 17, it's just incredible,' he says of the 2023 NBA MVP. But raw talent alone wasn't enough. Coach Joe remembers speaking to Embiid's parents in Cameroon, encouraging them to see beyond the limits of their environment. 'We had to help him dream beyond his circumstances. We had to give him the mentality of dominance, so that by the time he got to the U.S., he was prepared to be the player I always knew he could become.' That dream, once distant, became reality. Embiid didn't just make it; he conquered the highest stage. On the other hand, there's Ulrich Chomche, whose journey began at just 14 when Coach Joe recruited him into the NBA Academy Africa. 'With Chomche, it was different. I saw him early. I knew his potential, but more than that, I understood his why—why he wanted to be successful, why he trained every morning at 6 a.m. without complaint.' That early commitment was matched by a deep mutual trust between coach, player, and program. 'He trusted me, and he trusted the Academy. And that made all the difference. He wanted to make his community, his country, and his continent proud.' TORONTO, CANADA - OCTOBER 23: Ulrich Chomche #22 of the Toronto Raptors is introduced ahead of the ... More game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Scotiabank Arena on October 23, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by) Today, Ulrich is part of the Toronto Raptors, a full-circle moment underscored by the fact that it was Masai Ujiri who gave him that shot. Together, the stories of Joel and Ulrich reveal the full arc of what's possible. The message is clear: it's never too early, and it's never too late to dream big and make it happen. Belief, Competition, and a Blueprint for the Future Young African basketball players attend the 17th edition of NBA Basketball Without Borders Africa ... More camp, bringing together top youth players from across Africa to learn from current NBA and FIBA players, in Dakar, on July 28, 2019. - NBA Basketball Without Borders Africa camp 17th edition takes place from July 28-31 in Dakar. (Photo by Seyllou / AFP) (Photo credit should read SEYLLOU/AFP via Getty Images) Coach Joe speaks about African basketball with quiet conviction. He believes strongly in its potential for growth, a belief rooted in decades of effort. He highlights initiatives like the NBA Academy, the SEED Project, Basketball Without Borders, and especially Giants of Africa as crucial to this growth. 'Masai Ujiri gave Africans a chance to succeed in the league because he believed in African talent,' Coach Joe reflects. This belief is inspiring, but he emphasises that belief alone isn't enough. 'We need quality coaching. We need our kids to compete. If they receive proper coaching and are exposed to consistent competition, we're going to dominate the sport.' That's where the festival becomes transformative. It's not just about drills or speeches; it's about live learning through play. 'For three or four days, the court transforms into a classroom. That's how you develop basketball instincts.' Coaching With Purpose For Coach Joe Touomou, coaching has always been about making an impact rather than seeking accolades. As an African coach who once walked the halls of Georgetown University and worked under elite mentors like Leonard Hamilton and Quin Snyder, returning to the continent was not just a career move; it was a calling. 'Basketball gave me everything,' he says. That sense of gratitude drives every camp, every session, and every mentoring moment he engages in. 'I had to come back and help.' Through Giants of Africa, he has done precisely that, impacting more than 20 countries and helping to shape not only players but also coaching standards and community mindsets. He speaks with quiet pride about those who have passed through his programs and are now giving back themselves. 'I just play my part,' he says. 'I just coach. I help coaches, and I help players grow.' His story, like that of Giants of Africa, is a reminder that sport can be a bridge: between countries, cultures, and generations. It can educate, empower, and transform. And that's exactly what is taking place across Rwanda: a powerful experience that each camper will carry with them across Africa and for decades to come. Long after the courts are cleared in Kigali, the festival's influence will endure, in the lives he's shaped, the values he's instilled, and the belief he's sparked in a new generation ready to take the game, and the continent, forward.
CTV News
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Ex-Raptors exec Masai Ujiri remains focused on humanitarian work as Giants of Africa Festival nears
NEW YORK — Masai Ujiri's July is shaping up to be quite the rollercoaster ride. The recently-fired former Toronto Raptors executive is navigating his sudden departure from a franchise where he'd spent 13 seasons while also launching the second edition of his private foundation's Giants of Africa Festival — all within a one-month span. The humanitarian work, Ujiri pledged, will continue regardless of his employment status. The British-born NBA executive, raised in his father's native Nigeria, founded Giants of Africa in 2003 — back when he was just starting off as a scout and long before becoming the first African team president of a professional North American sports franchise. 'It's an obligation for me,' Ujiri said. 'It's a passion.' The foundation's ambitions have risen with his own success. Giants of Africa has reached thousands of campers across 18 countries. It has helped build more than three dozen courts on the continent. High-profile supporters include Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's The Archewell Foundation. 2023's inaugural Giants of Africa Festival united more than 250 boys and girls around a week of basketball clinics, life skills lessons and community building that culminated in a concert headlined by South African superstar Tyla. The goal? A 'borderless Africa' as Ujiri likes to say. The festival returns to Kigali, Rwanda, on July 26 with a lineup featuring Nigerian pop singer Ayra Starr and WNBA great Candace Parker. Two-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard — brought to Toronto by Ujiri for the team's championship-winning 2018-2019 season — will mentor campers and train underserved youth. Ujiri discussed the upcoming event, and his future, with The Associated Press. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Q: Why'd you expand Giants of Africa Festival 2025 to 320 young participants from 20 African nations? A: When we had the last festival, we really focused on — whether it was the basketball, the life skills, the coaching, the mentorship — we focused on culture. We focused on the whole ecosystem of how we feel kids need this opportunity to grow. It really inspired us to think about how we bring this to more countries. We're doing this incredible, incredible fashion show showing the print, the threads of Africa, and who we really are. It used to be weird where you'd see somebody wearing cloth from Africa. Now it's part of the fashion. It's part of us. It's just like Afrobeats — it's part of life everywhere. Everybody wants to wear a boubou. You see a lot of fashion designers from all over the world using our prints. We want to showcase that and give these youth the opportunity to see that this is how they can also expand their minds. Q: How does it feel to see basketball investments lead to the sport growing across the continent? A: It's been unbelievable. With these camps, it started off as basketball development, but you've seen that really become something that has really grown even bigger. I saw Pascal (Siakam), I saw (Joel) Embiid, I saw all these guys as youth in camps. Seeing them as 15-, 16-year-old kids in camp, you can't even project. And that tells you how much talent we have on the continent. I always say Africa's biggest jewel is the talent of the youth. One out of every four people in the world are going to be Africans by the year 2050 and the median age is 20. We should be investing on the continent. Q: How does Giants of Africa use sports to get the youth to consider different careers? A: I'm the prime example of that. I didn't play in the NBA. I didn't even play high-level college or high-level Europe. The entry point for me was a scout in the NBA. From then on lots of people helped me to create this path that I'm on still. I go back to Basketball Without Borders, when the NBA gave me the opportunity to be a director. That has led to me becoming an executive in the NBA. That's the example I want to give. That's why we have so many people coming to this festival to really show these kids — whether it's me or a journalist or a sports doctor or sports lawyer — there's so many careers. And the start is sports and doing it passionately and doing it well. Q: How did women's empowerment become a focus for the foundation's work? A: When I first started, I was doing boys camps. Not every kid is going to make it to the NBA. So we started focusing on life skills. That was teaching respect, honesty, being on time. One of the big focuses was respect for women. So, I'm challenging these boys but I'm not challenging myself. I can't say 'women's empowerment' and 'respect women' and just do these camps for boys. So, we introduced the girls. And it's not 50 boys and 10 girls just for token. It's equality. They all have a basketball and they have the same court time. We can't just say it. We actually have to do it. Q: What does your recent Toronto Raptors departure mean for your humanitarian work? A: Job, no job, wherever I am, whatever kind of job I'm doing, Giants of Africa is key. The focus will always be that just because I owe it to the youth of the continent. I owe it to the continent. My goal is not how big does Giants of Africa get. I look at it as: how big are these youth going to become? They'll go on to do other things. They could go on to become a president or become a governor or become president of a team. The hope is that this experience here will even make them reimagine many of the things that they want to do. So, Giants of Africa will never go anywhere. ___ James Pollard, The Associated Press Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.
Washington Post
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
Ex-Raptors exec Masai Ujiri remains focused on humanitarian work as Giants of Africa Festival nears
NEW YORK — Masai Ujiri's July is shaping up to be quite the rollercoaster ride. The recently-fired former Toronto Raptors executive is navigating his sudden departure from a franchise where he'd spent 13 seasons while also launching the second edition of his private foundation's Giants of Africa Festival — all within a one-month span.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ex-Raptors exec Masai Ujiri remains focused on humanitarian work as Giants of Africa Festival nears
NEW YORK (AP) — Masai Ujiri's July is shaping up to be quite the rollercoaster ride. The recently-fired former Toronto Raptors executive is navigating his sudden departure from a franchise where he'd spent 13 seasons while also launching the second edition of his private foundation's Giants of Africa Festival — all within a one-month span. The humanitarian work, Ujiri pledged, will continue regardless of his employment status. The British-born NBA executive, raised in his father's native Nigeria, founded Giants of Africa in 2003 — back when he was just starting off as a scout and long before becoming the first African team president of a professional North American sports franchise. 'It's an obligation for me,' Ujiri said. 'It's a passion.' The foundation's ambitions have risen with his own success. Giants of Africa has reached thousands of campers across 18 countries. It has helped build more than three dozen courts on the continent. High-profile supporters include Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's The Archewell Foundation. 2023's inaugural Giants of Africa Festival united more than 250 boys and girls around a week of basketball clinics, life skills lessons and community building that culminated in a concert headlined by South African superstar Tyla. The goal? A 'borderless Africa' as Ujiri likes to say. The festival returns to Kigali, Rwanda, on July 26 with a lineup featuring Nigerian pop singer Ayra Starr and WNBA great Candace Parker. Two-time NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard — brought to Toronto by Ujiri for the team's championship-winning 2018-2019 season — will mentor campers and train underserved youth. Ujiri discussed the upcoming event, and his future, with The Associated Press. This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity. Q: Why'd you expand Giants of Africa Festival 2025 to 320 young participants from 20 African nations? A: When we had the last festival, we really focused on — whether it was the basketball, the life skills, the coaching, the mentorship — we focused on culture. We focused on the whole ecosystem of how we feel kids need this opportunity to grow. It really inspired us to think about how we bring this to more countries. We're doing this incredible, incredible fashion show showing the print, the threads of Africa, and who we really are. It used to be weird where you'd see somebody wearing cloth from Africa. Now it's part of the fashion. It's part of us. It's just like Afrobeats — it's part of life everywhere. Everybody wants to wear a boubou. You see a lot of fashion designers from all over the world using our prints. We want to showcase that and give these youth the opportunity to see that this is how they can also expand their minds. Q: How does it feel to see basketball investments lead to the sport growing across the continent? A: It's been unbelievable. With these camps, it started off as basketball development, but you've seen that really become something that has really grown even bigger. I saw Pascal (Siakam), I saw (Joel) Embiid, I saw all these guys as youth in camps. Seeing them as 15-, 16-year-old kids in camp, you can't even project. And that tells you how much talent we have on the continent. I always say Africa's biggest jewel is the talent of the youth. One out of every four people in the world are going to be Africans by the year 2050 and the median age is 20. We should be investing on the continent. Q: How does Giants of Africa use sports to get the youth to consider different careers? A: I'm the prime example of that. I didn't play in the NBA. I didn't even play high-level college or high-level Europe. The entry point for me was a scout in the NBA. From then on lots of people helped me to create this path that I'm on still. I go back to Basketball Without Borders, when the NBA gave me the opportunity to be a director. That has led to me becoming an executive in the NBA. That's the example I want to give. That's why we have so many people coming to this festival to really show these kids — whether it's me or a journalist or a sports doctor or sports lawyer — there's so many careers. And the start is sports and doing it passionately and doing it well. Q: How did women's empowerment become a focus for the foundation's work? A: When I first started, I was doing boys camps. Not every kid is going to make it to the NBA. So we started focusing on life skills. That was teaching respect, honesty, being on time. One of the big focuses was respect for women. So, I'm challenging these boys but I'm not challenging myself. I can't say 'women's empowerment' and 'respect women' and just do these camps for boys. So, we introduced the girls. And it's not 50 boys and 10 girls just for token. It's equality. They all have a basketball and they have the same court time. We can't just say it. We actually have to do it. Q: What does your recent Toronto Raptors departure mean for your humanitarian work? A: Job, no job, wherever I am, whatever kind of job I'm doing, Giants of Africa is key. The focus will always be that just because I owe it to the youth of the continent. I owe it to the continent. My goal is not how big does Giants of Africa get. I look at it as: how big are these youth going to become? They'll go on to do other things. They could go on to become a president or become a governor or become president of a team. The hope is that this experience here will even make them reimagine many of the things that they want to do. So, Giants of Africa will never go anywhere. ___ Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP's philanthropy coverage, visit James Pollard, The Associated Press
