Introduction
The NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator, launched in April 2024 to foster Africa's technology ecosystem and empower the next generation of African entrepreneurs, has announced the winners of its prestigious competition. Four standout startups from Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt were awarded top prizes, including financial support and mentorship opportunities.
Festival Coins, Salubata, HustleSasa, and UBR VR Take Top Honors
At a Demo Day hosted at the NBA headquarters in New York City, four innovative startups emerged victorious after pitching their products to a panel of global industry experts. The winners—Festival Coins (Nigeria), Salubata (Nigeria), HustleSasa (Kenya), and UBR VR (Egypt)—were selected from over 700 early-stage African startups that applied to participate in the program. Each company will receive financial backing as well as access to mentorship programs facilitated by NBA Africa and its partners.
NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum announced the winners, recognizing the startups for their creativity and potential to transform industries across the continent.
A Diverse Panel of Judges
The panel of judges, which included renowned leaders from various sectors, had the difficult task of selecting the top companies. The judges included Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Co-Founder and CEO of Accelerate Africa; Franciscus Diaba, NBA Assistant General Counsel for Technology; Crystal Rugege, Managing Director of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution Rwanda; Chegg Inc. Executive Chairman Dan Rosensweig; and Joanne Yoo, Partner at Development Partners International. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also participated in the event, delivering opening remarks and personally meeting the 10 finalists.
The Four Winning Startups
Festival Coins (Nigeria): Winning the first-place prize of $50,000, Festival Coins offers Tix Africa, a no-code event registration and ticketing platform tailored for events in Nigeria and Ghana. This platform enables organizers to manage events seamlessly, offering a highly customizable solution for event planning.
Salubata (Nigeria): Awarded the second-place prize of $40,000, Salubata is a forward-thinking company that produces modular shoes made from recycled plastic waste. Their eco-friendly products aim to reduce the global carbon footprint, showcasing the company's commitment to sustainability.
HustleSasa (Kenya): HustleSasa earned the third-place prize of $30,000 for its platform that enhances live event services. The startup helps organizers manage everything from payment processing to influencer tracking, offering a one-stop solution for event execution.
UBR VR (Egypt): In fourth place, UBR VR received $20,000 for its immersive virtual reality experiences. The company is at the forefront of bringing fully immersive VR experiences to Egypt, changing the way consumers interact with entertainment and educational content.
Recognizing All Finalists
In addition to the four winners, six other finalists were awarded $10,000 each, acknowledging their innovation and potential for future success. The event was supported by three official partners—Paystack Payments Ltd., Kuramo Capital Management, and the Nigerian University of Technology and Management (NUTM)—who provided valuable support and resources for the Demo Day.
Fostering the Next Generation of African Entrepreneurs
NBA Africa CEO Clare Akamanzi congratulated all participants, particularly the 10 finalists and the four winners, stating, "These exceptional companies have shown the drive and innovation needed to shape the future of sports and technology in Africa. We are excited to watch their continued success."
The NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator program is designed to empower early-stage startups across Africa, focusing on sectors such as event management, youth development, AI, and digital marketing. Through initiatives like this, NBA Africa aims to elevate the continent’s entrepreneurial landscape and unlock new opportunities for growth.
