Founder Alpha Kisusi greeting students in a Tanzanian schoolyard

About

Built in Tanzania

Shoes For Tanzania began in 2017 by helping young athletes access basketball shoes and equipment. Today, our work includes school footwear, annual camps and mentorship.

Our story

It started with shoes

Founder Alpha Kisusi drew on his basketball experience in Tanzania and Canada to create opportunities for other young people. What started with footwear has grown through local collaboration, coaching and a commitment to showing up year after year.

Our next step is to make that support consistent, with recurring footwear and funding partners.

Alpha Kisusi on an outdoor court

Founder

Alpha Kisusi

Alpha has played for Tanzania’s national team since 2010 and played university basketball in Canada from 2012 to 2016.

2010
Tanzania national team player, ongoing
2012–2016
University basketball in Canada
2017
Founded Shoes For Tanzania
2020
MBA, Metropolitan State University
2026
BAL Advance, professional development

How the work happens

Local relationships make the work possible

Local coaches and collaborating organizations help support camps and footwear distribution.

Founder
Alpha Kisusi
Collaborating organizations
Tanzania Basketball Federation · ATUZA
Where we work
Dar es Salaam, with plans to expand across Tanzania
Two camp coaches on court

Where we’re going

What we’re building next

  • Stronger local programming

  • Recurring footwear and funding partners

  • Deeper school relationships

  • More opportunities for girls

  • International experiences