Ahmedu Targets Stronger Grassroots Basketball Development in Accra

Basketball administrators and stakeholders from eight West African countries will converge in Accra, Ghana, on November 21, 2026, for the FIBA Africa Zone 3 (FAZ3) General Meeting/Congress. The congress, scheduled to hold at Barima Apartments & Suites, will bring together representatives from Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria, and Togo. The meeting will provide a dedicated platform for stakeholders to examine the challenges confronting basketball in the sub-region and develop practical strategies for sustainable growth.

FAZ3 President, Col. Sam Ahmedu (Rtd), described the congress as an important opportunity to bring the region’s basketball leadership together, exchange ideas, and establish a common direction for the development of the game. Ahmedu stressed that basketball’s progress in the zone must extend beyond the quality of players on the court, noting that effective leadership, sound administrative structures, and collective commitment are equally important. He emphasized that talent alone cannot take basketball to where it wants to be, and that a clear vision, strong institutions, effective governance, and unity among member federations are needed.

The congress will focus on the theme, “Charting the Future: Grassroots Development, Governance, and Regional Synergy in Zone 3,” reflecting the zone’s ambition to build a more coordinated and sustainable basketball development structure. According to Ahmedu, the discussions will go beyond identifying existing challenges, with delegates expected to explore workable solutions that can strengthen the sport across member countries. The meeting will also open fresh opportunities for partnerships, with resource persons, development organizations, and potential investors expected to explore areas of collaboration with FIBA Africa Zone 3.

Key areas being considered for partnerships include basketball infrastructure, the promotion of 3×3 basketball, coaching and player development camps and clinics, as well as the organization of regional club competitions. Ahmedu expressed optimism that such partnerships could help address some of the structural challenges facing the sport while creating more competitive opportunities for players, coaches, and clubs across the zone. He welcomed organizations and individuals who share the vision and are willing to invest their expertise, resources, and experience in building basketball in Zone 3.

The Accra congress is expected to provide a renewed platform for cooperation among the eight member federations, with expectations that its deliberations will produce actionable resolutions capable of shaping the next phase of basketball development in the region. Ahmedu emphasized that development must be a collective effort, and strategic partnerships will be essential to achieving the objectives. The congress will bring together stakeholders to share experiences, identify practical steps, and make a difference to basketball development in the region.

The meeting was originally planned to take place alongside the FIBA Africa Zone 3 U-16 Boys and Girls Championship but will now focus solely on the congress. This change allows for a dedicated platform for stakeholders to discuss and address the challenges facing basketball in the sub-region. The congress aims to move from discussions to action, with every country represented expected to contribute ideas and share experiences.

The outcome of the congress is expected to shape the future of basketball in West Africa, with a focus on grassroots development, governance, and regional synergy. The meeting will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to come together, share ideas, and work towards a common goal of developing basketball in the region. Key points include:

Key points

• The FIBA Africa Zone 3 General Meeting/Congress will focus on grassroots development, governance, and regional synergy.
• The congress aims to bring together stakeholders to share experiences and identify practical steps to improve basketball development in the region.
• Strategic partnerships will be explored to address structural challenges and create more competitive opportunities for players, coaches, and clubs.