Stanbic Jr. NBA League: Empowering South Sudan’s Youth And Shaping Future Leaders

The partnership between Stanbic Bank, NBA Africa, and the Luol Deng Foundation, exemplified by the Stanbic Jr. NBA League, has made a significant impact on South Sudan, both in sports and the broader socio-economic landscape. This initiative not only highlights the growing enthusiasm for basketball among South Sudanese youth but also contributes to the development of vital life skills, fosters national pride, and demonstrates Stanbic Bank’s commitment to the country’s future.

“South Sudan is our home. We drive her growth. We have a strong belief in the youth and the future they represent, which is why we chose to invest in them through the Stanbic Jr. NBA League. This partnership with the NBA is building the players of tomorrow at the grassroots level,” said Mũmbi Kagombe, Strategy Enablement Manager at Stanbic Bank South Sudan.

South Sudan, although a relatively young nation, has already made considerable progress in basketball. The national team’s historic qualification for the 2024 Paris Olympics is a remarkable achievement, especially for a country that gained independence only in 2011. Finishing ninth overall, the team showcased South Sudan’s potential on a global platform, making the nation proud of its athletes’ achievements. Players like Carlik Jones, a standout at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, and Wenyen Gabriel, currently with Maccabi Tel Aviv, serve as inspirational figures for South Sudan’s aspiring basketball players. The Jr. NBA League provides the critical infrastructure needed to nurture such talent, giving boys and girls across the country the opportunity to sharpen their skills in basketball while also learning teamwork, discipline, and leadership.

“We at Stanbic Bank are proud to be part of this journey, investing in young champions who will not only excel in athletics but also become responsible and engaged citizens of this beautiful country,” added Mũmbi.

Participation in basketball at the grassroots level is growing rapidly in South Sudan. In season one, which ran from March 2024 to August 2024, 270 boys and 180 girls participated in the league, with many others eager to join future seasons. For these young players, the league represents more than just an opportunity to play a sport; it offers a path to scholarships and the potential for brighter futures, both within and beyond basketball. The broader NBA Africa initiative, through its Jr. NBA program, has reached over 170,000 young people across the continent. In South Sudan, the collaboration with Stanbic Bank and the Luol Deng Foundation is extending this reach, providing a platform of hope and opportunity for the country’s youth.

Economically, South Sudan continues to face challenges, yet initiatives like the Jr. NBA League offer hope to a population where over 70% are young people. While the economy remains heavily reliant on oil exports, there are growing efforts to diversify, with increased investments in education, infrastructure, and youth empowerment. Stanbic Bank, operating in South Sudan for over 11 years, has played a pivotal role in driving these sectors. Its investment in sports, particularly through the SteJr. NBA League, is part of a broader strategy to foster human capital development, creating opportunities for young people to succeed not only in sports but also in business and leadership roles.

South Sudan’s GDP growth rate was estimated at 5.4% in 2023, with further improvements projected for 2024. The country’s focus on rebuilding infrastructure, enhancing education, and promoting social cohesion is essential for its development, and Stanbic Bank’s support for these initiatives is crucial. Through strategic partnerships with government entities and international organizations, Stanbic is committed to driving sustainable growth. The Stanbic Jr. NBA League aligns with these national objectives by providing a valuable platform for youth engagement, promoting education, and fostering a sense of national pride and unity. Engaging the youth in such initiatives is critical to the country’s continued progress.

“The final games were a lot of fun. We had top government officials, Corporates, NGOs, South Sudan National Team players (men and women), NBA Legend Cedric Ceballos, Luol Deng, President of the South Sudan Basketball Federation and Founder of the Luol Deng Foundation, and other key partners attend the finals. This demonstrates the significance of the event to the socio-economic growth of South Sudan and its people,” noted Mũmbi.

Basketball has become a unifying force in South Sudan, bringing communities together. From the unveiling of a FIBA standard outdoor basketball court at St. Mark’s Orthodox School in Juba to the enthusiastic participation of over 30 schools in the Stanbic Jr. NBA League, the sport is catalysing positive change. Beyond the game itself, the league provides young athletes with access to education, mentoring, and the possibility of pursuing careers both in and outside of basketball. This focus on education and skill development offers a lifeline to many young people in South Sudan, giving them hope for a brighter future. This holistic approach to development is central to Stanbic Bank’s vision for the country—empowering the next generation through sport, education, and entrepreneurship. The league created employment for  30 coaches and 36 referees (18 male and 18 female) trained and certified by the NBA, as well as six media volunteers trained and given exposure working with the NBA digital team.

The Stanbic Jr. NBA League is more than just a basketball tournament. It is a symbol of hope for South Sudanese youth, equipping them with the tools they need to build better futures for themselves and their country. The partnership between Stanbic Bank, NBA Africa, and the Luol Deng Foundation plays a pivotal role in nurturing talent, fostering unity, and driving socio-economic development, ensuring that the young people of South Sudan have every opportunity to succeed, both on and off the court.

Read Also: Sati Gata-Aura Wins The Africa Concours d’Elegance, By Stanbic Bank Kenya