Two innovative Nigerian startups, Festival Coins and Salubata, have been named among the four winners of the NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator program, an initiative designed to foster growth in Africa’s technology ecosystem. This achievement was announced by NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer, Mark Tatum, and highlights the growing impact of Nigerian entrepreneurs on the global stage.
The NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator: Driving African Innovation
Launched in April 2024, the NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator program was created to support early-stage startups across the African continent. With a focus on fostering innovation in event management, youth development, AI, digital marketing, and other technology-driven industries, the program seeks to identify and uplift Africa’s next generation of entrepreneurs. The accelerator attracted more than 700 applicants, but only 10 were selected as finalists after a rigorous selection process.
These startups had the chance to showcase their solutions during a Demo Day held at the NBA headquarters in New York City. This event saw the finalists pitching their products to an esteemed panel of international judges, which included influential figures such as Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Co-Founder and CEO of Accelerate Africa, Franciscus Diaba, NBA’s Assistant General Counsel for Technology, and Dan Rosensweig, Executive Chairman of Chegg Inc.
Meet the Winners: Nigerian Startups Leading the Charge
The competition culminated in four winners being awarded substantial financial support, alongside mentorship and development opportunities facilitated by NBA Africa and its partners. Nigerian startups Festival Coins and Salubata were among the standout winners.
- Festival Coins – First Place Winner:
Festival Coins, a Nigerian event technology company, took the top spot, securing a prize of $50,000. The company operates Tix Africa, a customizable, no-code event registration and ticketing platform that streamlines event management for organizers in Nigeria and Ghana. By offering a scalable solution for event hosts to manage ticketing and attendee engagement, Festival Coins has positioned itself as a vital player in Africa’s evolving event industry. This platform provides greater efficiency and improved event experiences for organizers and attendees alike. - Salubata – Second Place Winner:
Salubata, another Nigerian startup, won second place, earning $40,000 in prize money. This eco-conscious company is known for creating modular shoes made from recycled plastic waste, aiming to reduce the global carbon footprint through sustainable fashion. Salubata’s innovative approach to addressing environmental concerns, while simultaneously providing high-quality footwear, has not only set the brand apart but has also contributed to the global conversation on sustainability in the fashion industry.
Other African Winners: Highlighting Continental Innovation
In addition to the Nigerian winners, two other African startups also made it to the top four.
- HustleSasa (Kenya) – Third Place Winner:
HustleSasa, a Kenyan startup, earned the third-place prize of $30,000. The company provides an array of services for live events, from payment processing to customer data management, making event logistics seamless and efficient. By integrating multiple functions, HustleSasa is driving innovation in the live event space in Kenya and beyond. - UBR VR (Egypt) – Fourth Place Winner:
UBR VR from Egypt, a company specializing in immersive virtual reality experiences, secured the fourth-place prize and $20,000. This startup has made significant strides in offering cutting-edge VR technology for in-person events and experiences across Egypt, pushing the boundaries of entertainment and digital interaction in North Africa.
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Supporting Africa’s Tech Ecosystem
The success of Festival Coins and Salubata is a testament to the vibrant startup culture emerging across Africa. The NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator program is designed not just to provide financial support but also to equip entrepreneurs with the tools and mentorship needed to scale their ventures and navigate the challenges of the global marketplace.
As part of their win, the selected startups will have access to workshops and developmental programs, in addition to mentorship from NBA Africa and its partners. This support is intended to help these companies expand their operations, reach new markets, and drive technological advancements in Africa’s rapidly growing economies.
Finalists and Financial Rewards
The other six finalists in the accelerator program also received recognition, each being awarded $10,000 in prize money. Although they did not take home the top prizes, their inclusion in the NBA Africa Accelerator highlights the potential of their innovative ideas and their capacity to contribute to the future of African entrepreneurship.
The Role of NBA Africa in Shaping the Future of Sports and Technology
The NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator is part of a broader effort by NBA Africa to drive innovation and investment in African technology, especially in sectors like event management, AI, and youth development. According to Clare Akamanzi, CEO of NBA Africa, this year’s winners and finalists have shown the drive, creativity, and determination required to shape the future of sports and technology on the continent.
Akamanzi expressed her optimism about the impact these startups will have on Africa’s role in the global tech ecosystem, stating, “We look forward to following their successes for many years to come.”
Looking Ahead: Africa’s Role in the Global Tech Space
The NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator program is just one example of how global organizations like the NBA are investing in Africa’s tech future. As programs like this continue to provide financial and developmental support to African startups, the continent’s role in the global technology landscape is expected to grow exponentially.
With companies like Festival Coins and Salubata leading the way, and with support from initiatives like the NBA Africa Accelerator, the future of African entrepreneurship looks promising. This is just the beginning of what is sure to be an exciting journey of innovation, sustainability, and global influence for African startups.