Most Decorated African Basketball Countries 2025 (Men’s Team)

Africa's basketball scene has grown significantly, with a number of countries seeing notable success on the continent's basketball scene. 

Sport Blot discusses some of the most decorated men’s African basketball nations this year, highlighting their great performances and impact in the AfroBasket tournament.

5. Central African Republic – Historical Prestige

The Central African Republic (CAR) boasts two AfroBasket championships (1987 and 1974) and a great basketball history, despite not being in the news much lately.

CAR was a powerful force in the 1970s and 1980s, fusing athleticism with a tough style of play. Even if they haven't advanced to the finals recently, they will always be remembered as one of the most successful basketball nations in Africa.

4. Tunisia – The Modern-Day Force

Over the last ten years, Tunisia has emerged as a major player. Tunisia has upset Angola and Egypt's long-standing dominance with three AfroBasket championships, the most recent being in 2011, 2017, and 2021.

They are fiercely competitive due to their disciplined defence, accurate shooting, and systematic offence. With BAL appearances and wins, clubs like US Monastir have raised Tunisia's profile internationally.

3. Senegal – Consistent Contenders

Senegal has been a subject of discussion as the best in Africa, having won five AfroBasket titles over the years in 1968, 1972, 1978, 1980, and 1997.

The talent pool of Senegal is what makes them formidable; several of their best players compete in the NBA and elite European leagues. Senegal continuously generates elite talent, from Gorgui Dieng to up-and-coming NCAA prospects.

They are still a constant threat and showed depth and a good basketball IQ in the most recent qualifiers.

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2. Egypt – The Historic Powerhouse

Egypt may not have been as powerful in recent decades, but historically, it’s been at the top. In 1936, men's basketball had its Olympic debut as a competitive sport in Berlin, Germany. Egypt became the first African country to compete in Olympic basketball by sending a team to this event.

Egypt was the first African basketball powerhouse in the 1960s and 1970s, winning five AfroBasket championships (1949, 1953, 1957, 1962, and 1970). The African country’s pivotal role in introducing basketball to Africa has cemented its place among the most distinguished African basketball nations. Al Ahly and Zamalek, two of their clubs, have also had success in the BAL and continental tournaments.

Egypt's development initiatives have been reorganised in recent years, and the country is making good progress towards regaining its elite position and earning a spot in future competitions.

1. Angola: The Undisputed Leader

Without a doubt, the most powerful team in African men's basketball is Angola. Their golden age began in the late 1980s and lasted until the 2000s, during which they won 11 AfroBasket titles (1989, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2013).

Excellent infrastructure, a well-run domestic league, and years of expertise competing internationally are the reasons behind Angola's success. Teams like Primeiro de Agosto and Petro de Luanda have been regulars in the Basketball Africa League (BAL) and have been important talent conduits.

Honourable Mentions

Despite not having the most titles, these countries can be commended for their consistency and competitiveness:

• Côte d'Ivoire has performed well in subsequent competitions, having won two AfroBasket titles (1981 and 1985).
• Nigeria won the AfroBasket championship in 2015. They are rising rapidly with NBA talents like Al-Farouq Aminu and Josh Okogie.
• Mali and Morocco are historic semifinalists, and with their consistent stride, could snatch the title in the coming years.

When is the Next AfroBasket Competition?

The African men’s basketball continental tournament, the FIBA AfroBasket, will be having its 31st edition this year. Angola, the country that holds the most AfroBasket titles, will be hosting the FIBA AfroBasket 2025 for the fourth time from 12th to 24th August.

Angola, alongside 22 other African teams, participated in the qualifiers, and 16 countries have qualified for the final tournament.