NBA Africa has announced the second edition of the startup accelerator programme that the league launched last year to support the continent’s technology ecosystem and the next generation of African entrepreneurs.

NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator, which awards financial support and mentorship to early-stage African startup companies that develop solutions in the sport and creative industries, will once again be operated by ALX Ventures, a leading technology incubator that provides the continent’s tech leaders with access to the skills and tools to launch and scale their startups. NBA Africa also announced ServiceNow, an AI platform for business transformation whose Now Assist and AI agents help organisations deliver faster and smarter experiences at scale, as an Official Partner of the programme.

Beginning now through Friday, August 29, startups can apply to participate atripledoubleaccelerator.nba.com, after which the submissions will be narrowed down to a top 10.  The shortlisted startups will then participate in a 10-week mentorship programme where they will be paired with mentors comprised of NBA Africa, ServiceNow and ALX leadership, as well as other corporate stakeholders, who will provide guidance to the companies with a focus on product development, business growth and go-to-market strategy.  The startups will then pitch their products to international industry leaders at the programme’s second Demo Day in December, where the top five prize-winning companies will be selected to receive financial support and mentorship.

“Last year’s inaugural Triple-Double Accelerator programme showed how much talent, passion and creativity there is among African entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of the continent’s rapidly growing sport and entertainment industries,” said NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi.  “We look forward to reviewing this year’s submissions and to helping another round of promising startups take the next step in their development.”

Last year, more than 700 early-stage African startups applied to the programme.  Ten finalists were then selected to pitch their products to a panel of international industry leaders at the programme’s first Demo Day at the NBA headquarters in New York City, after which four prize-winning companies – Festival Coins (Nigeria), Salubata (Nigeria), HustleSasa (Kenya) and UBR VR (Egypt) – were awarded financial support and mentorship.

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