LUANDA (Angola) - Angola President Joao Lourenco hosted the 2025 AfroBasket champions at the Presidential Palace in Luanda on Tuesday.
This was Mr. Lourenco's first AfroBasket celebration as head of state, as Angola last won the African Championship in 2013. Mr. Lourenco is currently serving his second term.
A dominant force in African basketball from the late 1980s to 2013, Angola won eleven AfroBasket championships during that time. They faced a 12-year title drought until defeating Mali 70-43 on Sunday, August 24, to restore their continental glory.
Addressing the new African champions, Mr. Lourence said: "You are role models for future generations and young players who aspire to be champions like you."
"We have to build more basketball courts and sports facilities. This is something we have already started working on."
Mr. Lourenco emphasized the importance of building 12 new gymnasiums, ensuring that every Angolan province must have facilities for basketball, handball, martial arts, swimming, and gymnastics.
The official continued, noting: "We just have to believe that we can achieve these goals. This is much more than financial investment; it's also an investment in people to ensure the well-being of future generations."
"We would like to thank you for bringing joy to the Angolan people with this victory. We hope you bring more victories to our country in the coming years."
On this occasion, the 2025 AfroBasket champions presented the Angolan presidency with autographed jerseys, a basketball, and the competition's title.
FIBA