On Saturday, August 17, 2024, RITE Sports proudly launched the Africa Basketball Festival (ABF) in the United States, marking a pivotal moment for the event’s global aspirations. Held at the Holiday Inn Suites in Laurel, Maryland, the launch attracted an impressive mix of government officials, community leaders, basketball stars, fashion brands, and music industry influencers. The gathering not only celebrated basketball but also highlighted culture and unity through the powerful lens of sports.
The launch was packed with engaging activities, including a meet-and-greet, a fashion exhibition, and impactful speeches from notable guests. During the event, organizers revealed exciting plans for a global tour in 2025. The tour will kick off in the U.S., France, and several African nations that have been key players in previous editions of the festival. This tour will build anticipation leading up to the main event, which is set to take place in Ghana later in 2025.
“We are incredibly proud of the successful launch of the Africa Basketball Festival in the U.S.,” said Yaw Sakyi Afari, CEO of RITE Sports. “This event was more than just basketball; it was a celebration of diversity, culture, and unity. The support from the community has been nothing short of inspiring.”
Looking ahead, Afari shared his vision for the festival’s future. “We are excited to grow this into a truly global event that unites basketball teams, fashion brands, and music from different countries. This is just the beginning, and we can’t wait to see how this festival will continue to inspire generations to come.”
The launch was graced by several prominent figures, including Councilwoman Wala Blegay from Maryland’s District 6; Pops Mensah-Bonsu, President of Minor League Operations for the New York Knicks and SEED Academy Ghana; Gabriel Njinimbot, former U.S. Congressional candidate; Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association; and Dr. Kwadwo Agyapong-Berry, Chairman/CEO of BG Group. Other notable attendees included Atik Mohammed, Ghanaian politician; Latoya Samuels, United Nations NGO Consultant; and Irene Dele-Ajejumo, Founder and CEO of Omolewa Cosmetics.
RITE Sports extended heartfelt thanks to their partners—Vulcan Companies Inc., Amy Butler Foundation, JMK Production LLC, USA2GHANA—and to the volunteers and attendees who made this landmark event possible. The Africa Basketball Festival is poised to be a beacon of cultural exchange, unity, and global collaboration, with even greater things to come in 2025.
Like, comment in the box below, and share on all our social media platforms. For more updates on international news, local news, business, elections, sports, and exciting discussions, tune in to Orange FM 1079
 in the United States, marking a pivotal moment for the event’s global aspirations.){kind=link}