Rwanda's Clare Akamanzi appointed NBA Africa Chief Executive

Accomplished business executive and international trade investment lawyer Clare Akamanzi was on Wednesday 27 December appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the National Basketball Association - Africa.

Akamanzi, who now succeeds the outgoing CEO Victor Williams, will start her position on 23 January 2024, and report to NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum.

In her role, Akamanzi will oversee NBA’s business and basketball development efforts in Africa, and will be responsible for continuing to grow the popularity of basketball, the NBA and the Basketball Africa League (BAL) across the continent.

In addition, she will be tasked with grassroot basketball development, media distribution, corporate partnerships, and social responsibility initiatives that improve the livelihoods of African youths and families.

“I’ve seen firsthand how sports can positively impact business, families and communities in Africa and the NBA and BAL are perfect example of that,” Akamanzi told NBA Africa. “The NBA has done an incredible job growing basketball and the economy around it across the continent, and I’m excited about the enormous opportunities ahead to build on that momentum.”

In his part, Tatum said: “Clare’s business acumen, international experience and familiarity with basketball and the NBA make her the ideal executive to lead our business in Africa. NBA and the BAL are well positioned for continued growth and under Clare’s leadership, we believe these initiatives will transform economies, communities and lives across the continent.”

Previously, Akamanzi was CEO of RDB and Head of Strategy and Policy Unit - Office of the President of the Republic of Rwanda.

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She has extensive international trade, business and diplomatic experience, having previously worked for the Rwandan Government at the World Trade Organization in Geneva, Switzerland and at the Rwandan Embassy in London, England.

Under Akamanzi’s leadership, RDB implemented several business policy reforms and initiatives that led to significant investment and development for the country; including partnerships with BAL, Arsenal FC, PSG FC, FC Bayern Munich and TIME Magazine.

She has also worked and studied in seven different countries and holds an honorary LLD from Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, in recognition of her work in Rwanda.