About the Program
NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator aims to support the next wave of early-stage African startup businesses transforming the sports and creative sectors.
The accelerator scouts bold founders across the continent, equipping them with AI-first capacity building, global mentorship, world-class coaching, and direct access to investors, partners, and fans.
If you’re building the next big technological innovation in the sports or creative industries, this is your stage.
VALUE TO STARTUPS
The shortlisted startups will enroll in a 10-week mentorship program where they will be paired with mentors comprised of NBA Africa, ServiceNow, ALX leadership, and other corporate stakeholders who will provide guidance to the companies with a focus on product development, business growth and go-to-market strategy.
Top 5 winners will stand to win up to $50,000 in cash and value-in-kind benefits each
Benefits of the Accelerator
- Business coaching and advisory from global experts
- Brand visibility across the NBA and ALX ecosystem
- Masterclasses on AI, product, sales, fundraising & more
- Pitch refinement with mock rounds and expert guidance
- Networking opportunities with alumni, investors & clients
- Personalized roadmap to help you hit product, revenue, or investor goals
- In-person event in a major African city
- Spotlight and PR at the Demo Day
What to Expect in the Application
Applying is simple but meaningful. We want to get to know your startup beyond the surface. Expect questions like:
- What’s your startup’s story? Who do you serve, what problem do you solve, and what makes your solution different?
- What traction have you achieved? Share key metrics, milestones, and customer growth.
- Who’s behind the business? Introduce your co-founders and team dynamics.
- How does your business make money? Walk us through your revenue model.
- What impact are you creating? Tell us how your work will create jobs on the continent.
- Have something to show? Upload your pitch deck or product demo (if available).
The full application takes about 60 minutes to complete.
Start early, take your time, and show us what makes your venture unstoppable.
Who We’re Looking For
The Triple-Double Accelerator is seeking tech-enabled startups whose products and or services align with the following categories
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Sports & InnovationWe’re looking for startups reshaping the sports industry; whether through fan engagement, athlete performance, digital innovation, community-based fitness, or other impactful approaches. If your venture is driving how sports are played, experienced, or monetized, this accelerator is for you.
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Creative StartupsWe’re looking for startups pushing the boundaries of Africa’s creative industries; from fashion, music, and film to gaming, digital media, storytelling, and more. If you’re building bold, culture-shaping experiences, this accelerator is for you.
Eligibility Criteria
We’re looking for startups who:
- Are headquartered in Africa
- Are less than 2 years old
- Are building in the sports or creative industries
- Have a tech-enabled solution with clear market value
- Have a proof-of-concept prototype with potential for profit, inclusivity, and scale
- Have two co-founders committed full-time (40+ hrs/week)
- Are preferably registered as a company
We will NOT consider applications from startups with the following criteria:
- Marketplaces (E-commerce, middleman platforms)
- Late stage startups which have raised significant capital and earn consistent revenue
- Startups without potential to generate jobs
- Non-tech enabled startups
- Startups without functional prototypes
- Startups that have been through more than 2 similar programs in the past 12 months
HOW IT WORKS
STEP 1
Written Application
Deadline 9 September 2025
- Founders must complete the online application (roughly 60 mins to complete).
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so we encourage applying as early as possible.
STEP 2
One-way Video Interview
Deadline 12 September 2025
- Selected startups will be invited to participate in a one-way video interview.
- Video submissions should be no longer than 3 minutes.
STEP 3
Selection Process
Deadline: 30 September 2025
- Judges will evaluate each submission and select the top startups to participate in the program
STEP 4
Program
October – December 2025
- The 10-week accelerator program includes masterclasses, mentorship, and pitch practice in preparation for Demo Day in December
- The required time commitment will be 4-6 hours per week, not including Demo Day
STEP 5
Demo Day
December 2025
- The final participating startups will get the opportunity to pitch to global industry leaders in a major African city for a chance to win prizes.
Note: All dates are subject to change and are subject to the Terms & Conditions of the program.
Testimonials
Hear from Last Year Finalists
Thibault Mutabazi
Wrist Wrist“It was a great networking experience, and we made connections that we believe will open doors that wouldn’t have been possible without the accelerator.”
Maged Farraq
UBR VR Esports“Winning the prize gave our brand huge recognition. The whole journey from start to end was amazing, and I’ve learned so much.”
Taofeeq Lawal
BuzzaThe NBA affiliation helped us double our user base in just 12 weeks. It also opened doors to basketball communities across Nigeria.”
Yewande Akinse
Salubata“The Accelerator was very well thought out and planned—above all, it was professionally delivered. What I liked most was the professionalism of everyone, the generous grant, and a wholesome experience.”
FAQS
The application takes about 60 minutes to complete. You’ll be asked to share:
- Your startup’s story and founding team
- Traction (customers, revenue, milestones)
- Your business model and impact
- A pitch deck and demo (if available)
Start early, take your time, and show us what makes your venture stand out.
We’re open to tech-enabled early-stage startups with a working product and proven demand.
No, there is no application or participation fee.
The accelerator is hybrid. Most sessions are virtual with Demo Day being in-person in a major African city.
Top 5 winners will stand to win up to $50,000 in cash and value-in-kind benefits each.
Approximately 4-6 hours per week during the program, plus additional time for Demo Day preparation.