The Malaw Brand
Malaw was founded by Konko Ba, a Senegalese-American and lifelong
basketball enthusiast. The brand's mission is to build and support
the basketball ecosystem in Africa by providing children with
essential tools—education assistance, basketballs, sneakers, and
safe places to practice. These simple, yet powerful, resources have
the potential to create meaningful change in the lives of young
people and their communities. Growing up in New York City, Konko Ba
learned valuable lessons of self-confidence, resilience, and
teamwork through the game that guided him both on and off the court.
Even as he pursued a successful career in public accounting, Konko
felt a strong pull to give back to Africa. He recognized the power
of basketball to unlock the potential of African youth and
envisioned a world where every child could experience the
transformative impact of the game. Today, the Malaw Brand continues
to inspire African youth, showing that with the right tools,
basketball can be more than just a sport—it can be a pathway to a
brighter future.
Paying It Forward: The MalawRise Foundation
Malaw Brand’s commitment to giving back extends beyond our products
and into the heart of our community initiatives through our
MalawRise Foundation. Inspired by the belief that basketball can be
a powerful tool for personal and community development, MalawRise
works to provide African youth with the resources and opportunities
they need to thrive. Through this initiative, we provided
scholarship opportunities, build basketball courts, donate sneakers,
and create safe, supportive environments where young athletes can
learn, grow, and excel. MalawRise is more than a Foundation; it’s a
movement,a mindset, dedicated to empowering the next generation of
African leaders through the game of basketball. Every purchase from
Malaw contributes to this mission, allowing our supporters to play a
direct role in creating a positive impact. We believe in the power
of paying it forward and that by investing in today's youth, we can
pave the way for a brighter tomorrow.
Together, through Malaw and MalawRise, we are committed to making a difference
one scholarship, one basketball, one court, and one child at a time.
Inspiration Through Art
Art is at the core of Malaw Brand's identity, deeply rooted in
African history and culture. Our collections are inspired by the
beautiful paintings of artist Mbarou Diodio Camara Ba. Her works,
with their distinctive shapes, lines, and colors, carry deep meaning
and intentionality, capturing the spirit of their subjects and
conveying their essence through a fusion of the visible and
invisible. By tracing these artistic expressions, we preserve and
celebrate our intangible cultural heritage. This art form has not
only enriched African culture but has also profoundly influenced
both classic and contemporary art worldwide. At Malaw, we honor this
legacy by infusing the spirit of African art into our brand,
reflecting the cultural richness and creativity that fuel our
mission.