Former NBA MVP and Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid joined Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri for The Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit 2024, where they discussed the investable possibilities in Africa while sharing their personal journeys.
In a portion of the summit hosted by South African media presenter Bonang Matheba, Embiid detailed the situation around his early basketball career and transition from Africa to the United States. Embiid began by explaining the lack of opportunity regarding the diversity of sports.
“I played sports growing up, but I was playing volleyball, and Masai was talking about infrastructure, and we don’t have a lot of opportunities,” Embiid said. “It wasn’t until I was 16 years old that I started playing basketball, and it just happened out of nowhere. And I was lucky enough because someone saw something in me, and he was one of the guys that gave me the opportunity and really one of the reasons why I’m sitting right here with you guys, but it’s helped me a lot.”
Embiid also spoke on the importance of storytelling and its role in expanding Africa’s influence abroad, referencing his story as a way for fellow Africans to believe and follow their own dreams, knowing that realizing them is a possibility.
“Like you said, it’s all about the youth, and then for myself, I feel like, I just say that there’s a lot of there’s a lot of talent, but a lot of times, we are not seen. If I were lucky enough, I would not be sitting here. But when you’re looking at my story, I just want people to understand that it’s possible. That’s why storytelling is extremely important. Growing up, watching a bunch of athletes in every sport because I watch every sport and just looking at the success and what they did, and that’s how I dreamt because I wanted to be at this level,” Embiid said.
“I wanted to be as successful as those guys and put in the work. And I want people to understand; just look at my story. I wasn’t supposed to be here, honestly. But you know, I also put the walk-in because of what was given to me and took advantage of it, and there’s a lot of people that are waiting for that opportunity. And like I said, looking at my story, I just want people to dream and believe that it is possible.”
Finally, Embiid was asked about the importance of investing in Africa’s youth. Embiid, along with his family, launched The Arthur Embiid & Angels Foundation, which aims to support children who are victims of social divisions through education, health, and sports and promote a healthy and positive environment.
Embiid spoke on the keys to investing in Africa’s youth while also acknowledging the importance of youth who do not know that level of want—specifically referring to his own children—understanding that there are places on this earth—including Embiid’s home country of Cameroon—where children do not have the same amenities, opportunities, and other benefits.
“I think we keep going back to infrastructures. Not just in sports, [but] education, [and] health. I think mentors. Those are some of the keys. Role models, you know like Masai has been a role model, especially for me. Being in this situation for a long time… all I cared about is, you know, like helping people.”
“Since I became a father, that became even more amplified because I look at my kids (in an earlier answer, Masai let loose that Embiid is expecting his second child). I look at the legacy I want to leave; I want them to understand the world. They have everything, but growing up, we didn’t have everything. But I want them to understand now that’s not in other countries where we grew up, it’s not that way. So I think the focus on youth, infrastructure, and mentorship is a big deal because he’s helped me a lot.”
Over the years, Embiid has historically worked to improve the quality of life and increase opportunity in his native Cameroon. This week, Embiid is in New York for United Nations General Assembly week, according to NBA Insider Chris Haynes, speaking at two events, including The Earthshot Prize Innovation Summit 2024.
Per Haynes, Embiid’s primary focus is to discuss how the business of sports can transform Africa financially.
There remains to be much work that can be done by all to invest in African nations, which would benefit the entire globe.
In partnership with Bloomberg Philanthropies, The Earthshot Prive Innovation Summit works to challenge each of us to do our part to accelerate progress in repairing our planet. In addition to Joel Embiid and Masai Ujiri, guest speakers included actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Matt Damon.
