As CEO of NBA Africa, Clare Akamanzi oversees the NBA’s business and basketball development efforts across the continent. She is responsible for growing the popularity of basketball, the NBA, and the Basketball Africa League (BAL) through grassroots development, media distribution, corporate partnerships, and social responsibility initiatives that enhance the livelihoods of African youth and families.

Before joining NBA Africa in January 2024, Akamanzi served as CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) for six and a half years, driving Rwanda’s economic development through private sector growth.

Under her leadership, the Rwanda Development Board implemented significant trade policy reforms and initiatives in partnership with organizations such as BAL, Arsenal FC, and TIME Magazine.

Akamanzi has worked and studied in seven countries and holds an honorary doctorate in law from Concordia University in Montreal, as well as a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.