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 NBA All-Star 2025. The first award will be presented at next year’s luncheon, where the recipient will receive:
- A financial grant to further their humanitarian efforts
- A charitable donation from NBA Africa to a cause of their choice
Honoring Dikembe Mutombo’s Legacy
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
- Four NBA Defensive Player of the Year Awards
- Three-time league leader in blocked shots
- Second in NBA history for career blocked shots
Following his retirement in 2009, Mutombo became the NBA’s first Global Ambassador, using his platform to drive philanthropic and humanitarian efforts worldwide.
Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner, reflected on Mutombo’s impact:
“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.”
A Legacy of Giving Back
Mutombo was widely recognized for his philanthropic achievements, receiving numerous humanitarian awards, including:
- 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)
- 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’s Long-Term Commitment to Africa
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.
Stay tuned for updates on the inaugural Dikembe Mutombo Humanitarian Award and upcoming court unveilings.
