The NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator is back for its 2025 edition, aiming to discover and support the next wave of early-stage African startups operating in the sports and creative industries. Powered by NBA Africa, with official partners ALX Ventures and ServiceNow, this accelerator program targets bold, tech-enabled ventures ready to scale. With a strong emphasis on innovation and impact, the program connects founders to global mentorship, tailored capacity-building, and high-profile investor networks.
Program Overview
- Program Name: NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator – Edition 1
- Organizers: NBA Africa
- Official Partners: ALX Ventures, ServiceNow
- Program Duration: 10 weeks (October–December 2025)
- Application Deadline: 29 August 2025
- Top Prizes: Up to $50,000 in cash and value-in-kind for top 5 winners
What Startups Receive
Startups selected for the accelerator gain access to:
- Mentorship from NBA Africa, ServiceNow, ALX leadership, and other corporate experts
- Business coaching on product development, growth, and go-to-market strategies
- Masterclasses in AI, sales, fundraising, and more
- Personalized product, revenue, or investor milestone roadmaps
- Brand exposure across NBA and ALX networks
- Mock pitch sessions and Demo Day preparation
- In-person event in a major African city
- PR exposure and networking with investors, clients, and ecosystem players
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Triple-Double Accelerator, startups must:
- Be headquartered in Africa
- Be less than 2 years old
- Operate in the sports or creative industries
- Offer a tech-enabled solution with clear market potential
- Have a functional proof-of-concept prototype
- Have two co-founders working full-time
- Be preferably registered as a company
- t capital and revenue
- Completed more than 2 similar programs in the last year
Focus Areas
- Sports & Innovation Startups:
Seeking startups transforming how sports are played, experienced, or monetized—via fan engagement, athlete performance, digital platforms, fitness, and community models. - Creative Industry Startups:
Targeting ventures in music, film, fashion, gaming, digital media, storytelling, and cultural experiences that reflect Africa’s creative potential.
Program Timeline
- Step 1: Online Application
- Deadline: 29 August 2025
- Time Required: ~60 minutes
- Includes details on startup story, traction, business model, and optional pitch deck/demo
- Step 2: One-Way Video Interview
- Deadline: 12 September 2025
- Duration: Up to 3 minutes
- Applicants should appear on camera and speak clearly
- Step 3: Final Selection
- Deadline: 30 September 2025
- Judges evaluate submissions and finalize the cohort
- Step 4: Accelerator Program
- October to December 2025
- Weekly commitment: 4–6 hours
- Includes mentorship, masterclasses, and pitch refinement
- Step 5: Demo Day
- December 2025
- Pitch to global investors and industry leaders in a major African city
The NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator is a unique opportunity for Africa’s most promising sports and creative startups to gain visibility, secure funding, and engage with leading industry mentors. With strong backing from NBA Africa and strategic partners, the 10-week program provides the structure, exposure, and community founders need to elevate their ventures.
Applications are open until 29 August 2025. Founders are encouraged to start early and showcase what makes their business truly unstoppable.