ABIDJAN - The FIBA Africa Mid-Term General Assembly gathered on Thursday, March 30 in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, where a number of important topics were discussed.

The one-day gathering, the second of its kind since 2017, was chaired by FIBA Africa president Anibal Manave.

In attendance were FIBA President Hamane Niang, FIBA Secretary General, Andreas Zagklis, Members of FIBA Africa Central Board, Basketball Africa League (BAL) president, Amadou Gallo Fall, and delegates from 42 National Federations.

Some participants attended the event via videoconference. 

A review of the Africa's basketball governing body's recent activities, the next 18 months activities, and youth basketball development on the continent dominated the meeting, with Manave urging the African basketball fraternity to remain engaged and committed to the growth of the game on the continent. 

“We keep working hard to put our basketball programmes at a level that we all wish for. Hopefully, we can win [world] medals in the near future," Manave pointed out during his closing remarks.

Manave added: "We have some challenges over the next 18 months, and nothing is finished yet. Just to remind everyone: Youth competitions and Youth Development are our main challenges for the next year and half. My appeal goes to the National Federations, my colleagues, and the BAL, which I thank for their contribution in this meeting. We need the contribution of all and need to remain focused, united and remain with the solidarity spirit."

“We have received many information, programmes, important tools to achieve the common objective, which is the development of African basketball."

The Africa Regional Director, Alphonse Bilé, presented a report of FIBA Africa's recent activities, emphasised development of 3X3, communication, finances and the sixtieth anniversary of FIBA ​​Africa (created in 1961 under the name of AFABA).

Three other presentations were made afterwards to inform participants about Players Eligibility, Development and Women's Basketball, Youth Competitions and 3X3.

Interventions from some delegates of National Federations gave rise to constructive discussions with the main recommendation being the establishment of a task force to propose solutions to the Players Eligibility process.

"We can't wait for the improvement of the COVID 19 pandemic to allow us to complete various activity programs that are planned by FIBA ​​Africa," Manave noted.

FIBA