The Basketball Africa League (BAL) made an ambitious commitment to create a space where young African women could thrive and lead with confidence.

BAL set the tone early with its announcement of the 2025 BAL4HER Leadership Conference. From the start, it was clear something special was on the horizon. And when it finally happened on the tranquil grounds of Oasis Farm in Skhirat, Morocco, it turned out to be more than a gathering. It was a catalyst.

Designed to empower, connect, and inspire, this year’s BAL4HER Conference brought together top-tier speakers, rising changemakers, and a vibrant audience of young African women ready to lead across sports, STEM, business, and beyond. It was a day filled with bold dialogue, practical workshops, and unforgettable moments of sisterhood.

The conference unfolded with intention. Participants were welcomed with a warm cup of tea and a collaborative icebreaker session that set the tone for a day full of reflection, learning, and connection.

Safae Bennani, a gender-based violence advocate, set the stage by emphasizing the importance of real leadership. The opening remarks from Clare Akamanzi, CEO of NBA Africa, and Amadou Gallo Fall, President of the Basketball Africa League, reinforced the event’s purpose: beyond symbolism, the aim was to ensure that women had access to the tools and networks that would help them succeed.

Leading the Way — Women Driving Change Across Industries

The first panel discussion, titled Leading the Way — Women Driving Change Across Industries, featured:

• Habibah Waziri (Managing Director, BGR Consulting)
• Yasmin Helal (NBA Egypt)
• Sarah Rehane (Head of League Production, BAL)

Moderated by Safae Bennani, the conversation was both candid and empowering, delving into the complexities of leadership in male-dominated sectors and the necessity of strategic visibility for women.

Speaking on the panel, Habibah noted:

“Leadership in Africa goes beyond influence. It’s about creating access. Creating room. Visibility alone isn’t enough — strategic visibility is the real currency.”

The conversation stressed the necessity of developing leadership abilities, managing industrial challenges, and encouraging African women to take up leadership roles in various sectors.

Learn more about BAL’s leadership initiatives here.

One of the most inspiring moments of the day was a fireside chat with WNBA legend Chiney Ogwumike, moderated by Usher Komugisha.

The conversation centered around the intersection of sport, identity, and representation. Chiney shared her experiences as a trailblazer in the basketball world and highlighted the transformative role African women can play in leveraging platforms like basketball for social impact.

Her message was clear: sport, like other industries, is a space where women can make a powerful statement and drive change across generations.

Panel 2: From Passion to Profession — Women in Sports & Creative Industries

The second panel, titled From Passion to Profession — Women in Sports & Creative Industries, featured women who have made significant strides in their respective fields, including:

• Aminata Dieye (Basketball Operations, BAL)
• Khadijat El-Alawa (Head of Music & Talent, Afrofuture)
• Sawda Wane (Strategic Development Lead & Fundraiser)

The panel explored the transition from passion projects to professional success. Topics covered included:

• Building a personal brand
• Navigating male-dominated spaces
• Negotiating contracts for sustainable careers

Breakout Sessions & Mentorship

After a communal lunch, the event shifted into breakout sessions, offering deeper insights into practical leadership and career challenges.

Facilitated by mentors like:

• Zama Zwane (NBA Africa — Business Intelligence)
• Mame Fatou Konare (Gender & Social Impact Specialist)
• Dawn Smyth (International Youth Development, NBA)

These sessions tackled real-world topics such as:

• How to position yourself in competitive industries
• Defining authentic leadership
• Merging sports with storytelling for advocacy

The practical workshops created a climate of honesty and actionable guidance, which struck a chord with young women striving to make their mark.

🏀 Why Sports? Why Now?

It’s not just about basketball.

As Yasmin Helal put it, “Basketball was never just a game — it was my entry point into leadership, resilience, and advocacy.” The BAL has understood this, using the league as a platform for deeper social impact.

The BAL4HER Leadership Conferences have evolved from career workshops to fully immersive experiences, bringing together 60–100 young professionals and 30+ mentors per session. They’re now a cornerstone in building Africa’s next wave of women leaders — on and off the court.

Check out the highlight here!

As the conference concluded, attendees were invited to a light basketball game, not just for recreation but as an opportunity to reflect on the themes of the day. The game symbolized the spirit of BAL4HER, a space for growth, collaboration, and empowerment.

What’s the key takeaway?

BAL4HER is not merely a conference; it is a movement. This event provided resources, networks, and mentorship to assist African girls excel in sports, technology, and creative professions.

Beyond being a source of motivation, the BAL4HER Leadership Conference was a life-changing event for each attendee. In a world where systemic restrictions still affect young African women, the conference gave them the confidence they needed to lead.

BAL4HER is proof that space is being made…and that space belongs to every young woman navigating the challenges of leadership. Because leadership in Africa goes beyond influence. It’s about creating access. Creating room. Visibility alone isn’t enough. Strategic visibility is the real currency.

Explore More:

• 🔗 Official BAL4HER Program Page
• 🔗 Apply to Future BAL4HER Conferences
• 🎥 Mentorship in action: LeadHERs Program