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| (Image Source: Sports Bytes Philippines/National Basketball Association) |
National Basketball Association (NBA) Commissioner Adam Silver has announced the launch of the NBA Africa Dikembe Mutombo Humanitarian Award, an annual recognition of individuals and organizations making exceptional contributions to health, education, and economic opportunity in Africa. In honor of Mutombo’s legacy, NBA Africa will also donate 55 basketball courts to communities across the continent beginning in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo where the Hall of Famer first discovered his passion for basketball.
The announcement was made at the 10th annual NBA Africa All-Star Luncheon in San Francisco, California during the 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend. The first award will be presented at next year’s luncheon where the recipient will receive a financial grant to further their humanitarian efforts and a charitable donation from NBA Africa to a cause of their choice Dikembe Mutombo was one of the most dominant defenders in NBA history and an unwavering humanitarian. Selected fourth overall in the 1991 NBA Draft, he played 18 seasons, earning eight NBA All-Star selections and four NBA Defensive Player of the Year Awards. Mutombo is also a three-time league leader in blocked shots and second in NBA history for career blocked shots Following his retirement in 2009, Mutombo became the league’s first Global Ambassador, using his platform to drive philanthropic and humanitarian efforts worldwide.
Silver reflected on Mutombo’s impact, stating, “Dikembe devoted his life to helping others and brought joy to so many people across Africa and around the world. This new award and the basketball courts built in his name will honor Dikembe’s extraordinary legacy as a global humanitarian.” Mutombo was widely recognized for his philanthropic achievements, receiving numerous humanitarian awards including the Congressional Humanitarian Award (2013), John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health’s Goodermote Humanitarian Award (2011), Laureus World Sports Award (2010), John Thompson Jr. Legacy of a Dream Award (2010), and the U.S. President’s Service Award (2000). One of his most notable contributions was the Biamba Marie Mutombo Hospital, named after his late mother. Opened in 2007 in Kinshasa, the hospital has provided lifesaving medical care to thousands of people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
NBA Africa has been instrumental in the growth of basketball and community development across the continent. The 55 basketball courts dedicated to Mutombo’s legacy will feature a unique design inspired by him and contribute to NBA Africa’s broader initiative of building 1,000 courts over the next decade. By investing in sports infrastructure and social impact initiatives, the NBA continues to support youth development and economic growth throughout Africa. Visit and follow NBA Africa's official social media accounts for updates on the inaugural Dikembe Mutombo Humanitarian Award and upcoming court unveilings.
