The Africa Basketball Festival (ABF) is set for a major transformation, as organisers have confirmed that the event will be hosted outside Ghana for the first time in 2027.

The announcement was made during the official launch of the 2025 edition on Wednesday, 19 November 2025, at the University of Ghana Basketball Court in Legon.

This year’s launch marked the festival’s fifth anniversary, celebrated with the unveiling of a special “Five Theme” that will shape the 2025 experience. The theme highlights five competing countries, five fashion brands, five musical performances, and a five-day programme running from 10–14 December at the University of Ghana Basketball Court, with activities beginning at 3 p.m. daily. The concept symbolises the significance of the number five in commemorating this milestone edition.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Yaw Sakyi Afari, Head of RITE Sports Services, organisers of the festival, shared what he described as the biggest news of the afternoon. “After hosting the festival in Ghana for five successful years, the ABF will remain in Ghana for one more edition next year, after which another country either in Africa or outside the continent, will host all participating countries in 2027,” he announced.

He further noted that countries will be invited to bid for hosting rights in 2026, with the winning bid set to be revealed during the 2026 festival in Ghana. “The Africa Basketball Festival is a global festival, and so the energy must be felt in different countries and among new audiences,” he added.

The launch ceremony set an upbeat tone for what organisers describe as the most vibrant edition yet, with the Five Theme promising a fusion of sport, music, fashion, and cultural expression. As anticipation builds ahead of the December 2025 festivities, excitement is also growing around the festival’s impending expansion beyond Ghana’s borders.