FAZ3 Congress : Ahmedu Targets Stronger Grassroots Basketball Development, Regional Unity in Accra

Basketball development, improved governance and stronger regional cooperation will take centre stage as administrators and stakeholders from eight West African countries converge in Accra, Ghana, on November 21, 2026, for the FIBA Africa Zone 3 (FAZ3) General Meeting/Congress.

The congress, scheduled to hold at Barima Apartments & Suites, will bring together representatives from Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Liberia, Niger, Nigeria and Togo.

Originally planned to take place alongside the FIBA Africa Zone 3 U-16 Boys and Girls Championship, the meeting will now provide a dedicated platform for stakeholders to examine the challenges confronting basketball in the sub-region and develop practical strategies for sustainable growth.

Speaking ahead of the gathering, FAZ3 President, Col. Sam Ahmedu (Rtd), described the congress as an important opportunity to bring the region’s basketball leadership together, exchange ideas and establish a common direction for the development of the game.

Ahmedu stressed that basketball’s progress in the zone must extend beyond the quality of players on the court, noting that effective leadership, sound administrative structures and collective commitment are equally important.

He said: “This congress presents a unique opportunity to bring the leadership of basketball across Zone 3 under one roof. It is a powerful reminder of our shared passion for the game and, more importantly, our collective responsibility to translate that passion into measurable progress.

“Talent alone cannot take basketball to where we want it to be. We need a clear vision, strong institutions, effective governance and unity among our member federations. The future of our game depends as much on the decisions we make in the boardroom as it does on what happens on the court.”

The congress will focus on the theme, “Charting the Future: Grassroots Development, Governance and Regional Synergy in Zone 3,” reflecting the zone’s ambition to build a more coordinated and sustainable basketball development structure.

According to Ahmedu, the discussions will go beyond identifying existing challenges, with delegates expected to explore workable solutions that can strengthen the sport across member countries.

“Our priority is to move from discussions to action. We want every country represented at this congress to contribute ideas, share experiences and identify practical steps that will make a difference to basketball development in our region,” he added.

The meeting will also open fresh opportunities for partnerships, with resource persons, development organisations and potential investors expected to explore areas of collaboration with FIBA Africa Zone 3.

Key areas being considered include basketball infrastructure, the promotion of 3×3 basketball, coaching and player development camps and clinics, as well as the organisation of regional club competitions.

Ahmedu expressed optimism that such partnerships could help address some of the structural challenges facing the sport while creating more competitive opportunities for players, coaches and clubs across the zone.

“We are also looking beyond the traditional approach to basketball development. There are enormous opportunities in infrastructure, 3×3 basketball, coaching clinics, talent development camps and regional club competitions.

“We welcome organisations and individuals who share our vision and are willing to invest their expertise, resources and experience in building basketball in Zone 3. Development must be a collective effort, and strategic partnerships will be essential to achieving our objectives,” he said.

The Accra congress is expected to provide a renewed platform for cooperation among the eight member federations, with expectations that its deliberations will produce actionable resolutions capable of shaping the next phase of basketball development in the region.