Freetown: Africell Sierra Leone, in partnership with NBA Africa, convened more than 350 pupils from primary and junior secondary schools for a two-day junior basketball clinic aimed at developing foundational skills and confidence among young athletes.
According to Sierra Leone News Agency, the clinic, held from Thursday 16 to Friday 17 April 2026 at the National Stadium Basketball Court, Brookfields in Freetown, introduced participants to basic techniques including dribbling, passing, shooting, and teamwork through structured drills led by experienced coaches. The sessions were designed to create an engaging and supportive learning environment for beginners.
Speaking at the clinic, Kamanda Koroma, Marketing and Communications Manager at Africell Sierra Leone, said the initiative reflects the company's commitment to youth development through sports. He noted that Africell continues to invest in platforms that nurture talent across various disciplines, with a growing emphasis on sports as a tool for empowerment. He described basketball as one of the fastest-growing sports globally and stated that the partnership with NBA Africa is intended to support long-term development rather than short-term engagement. He emphasized that sport plays a broader role beyond physical activity, serving as a channel for mentorship and personal growth among young people.
Kamanda Koroma added that Africell had recently partnered with the Sierra Leone Basketball Federation to further promote the sport locally and disclosed plans to strengthen collaboration with NBA Africa to expand opportunities for youth participation in basketball.
The representative of NBA Africa, Madam Belicent, described the clinic as a milestone, marking the first collaboration between the organization and Africell in Sierra Leone. She said the partnership aligns with shared values centered on youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, adding that NBA Africa is committed to supporting grassroots basketball development across the continent.
Also speaking at the event, Ali Hijazi, President of the Sierra Leone Basketball Federation, underscored the importance of sustained investment in youth sports. He said the clinic represents a significant step in strengthening the country's basketball pipeline and commended both Africell and NBA Africa for their contribution. The SLBF president highlighted the need for continued collaboration among stakeholders to ensure consistent development opportunities for young athletes. He urged participants to apply the skills acquired during the clinic and expressed optimism that similar initiatives would be expanded in the future.
The two-day programme forms part of Africell's broader efforts to promote basketball development in Sierra Leone by equipping young players with essential skills while fostering discipline, teamwork, and confidence.