PORTO-NOVO (Benin) — From April 24 to 27, the city of Porto-Novo welcomed 400 children and 13 coaches from across Africa for the 2025 edition of the African Mini Basketball Convention.
Following the successful 2024 convention held in Madagascar, the spotlight turned to Benin, where the Beninese Basketball Federation hosted this inspiring 4-day event. The event, organized by the FIBA Regional Office in Africa with the support of the FIBA Foundation, is part of a broader effort to strengthen the Mini Basketball movement across the continent.
Children aged 5 to 12 took part in a wide range of fun and educational activities, learning the importance of good health and well-being and the fundamentals of basketball in a playful and inclusive environment. At the same time, the convention served as a training ground for coaches, who were equipped with the tools and philosophy needed to promote Mini Basketball in their home countries.
Practical and theoretical sessions were led by FIBA experts Guillermo Calvo of Spain and Alkaya Touré of Mali. Their guidance provided valuable insights into child-centered coaching and sustainable program development.
“Their mission is to take what they’ve experienced here and recreate it back home,” said Calvo. “That’s how the Mini Basketball philosophy truly grows—by adapting it to local contexts and communities.
Calvo emphasized the joy the sport brings to young players. “It’s about helping kids discover the fun and energy in basketball. The real impact of this movement is visible in their smiles. And for the coaches, the learning continues even after the event. This is just the beginning.”
Among the participating delegates was Tionge Tracy Kambalame from Malawi, who spoke with enthusiasm about her experience: “The kids learned quickly and showed real enthusiasm. This camp has been a great opportunity for everyone to grow together. I’m grateful to the Malawi Basketball Federation and FIBA for making this possible.”
Jean Michel Ramaroson, Member of the FIBA Central Board and President of the Development program at the FIBA Regional Office in Africa, praised the program’s growing influence. “We are now in the sixth edition of this convention, which speaks volumes about its relevance and popularity,” he said.
Former French international player Ian Mahinmi proudly attended the convention as an ambassador, bringing uplifting energy, heartfelt encouragement, and valuable tips that inspired and delighted all the participating kids.
Team sports such as basketball bring communities together and teach valuable life lessons. I believe that the more kids play basketball, the better citizens we raise.
At the conclusion of the forum, equipment was donated to the Beninese Basketball Federation to support the ongoing promotion of basketball across the country.
Building on the momentum of the Porto-Novo forum, the FIBA Foundation, the FIBA Regional Offices, and respective National Federations will keep working together every year to organize regional Mini Basketball Conventions around the globe and to expand the Mini Basketball Movement.
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The FIBA Foundation is the social and legacy arm of FIBA that addresses the role of sports particularly basketball in society, preserving and promoting basketball’s values and its cultural heritage.
The FIBA Foundation believes that basketball has the power to empower, educate, and inspire youth and facilitates this by implementing Basketball For Good projects around the world.