Clare Akamanzi is the Chief Executive Officer of NBA Africa, where she leads the National Basketball Association’s business and basketball development initiatives across the continent. Previously, she served as Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board, a cabinet‑level role she held from February 2017 to September 2023, driving investment policy reforms, economic growth, and strategic global partnerships. Clare’s leadership combines expertise in public administration, international trade, and corporate strategy, positioning her as a transformative figure shaping Africa’s economic and institutional landscape.
Clare’s journey began with a strong academic foundation and a commitment to excellence. Born in 1979 to Rwandan refugee parents in Uganda, she earned a Bachelor of Laws from Makerere University, followed by a Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre in Kampala. She later completed a Master of Laws in International Trade and Investment at the University of Pretoria and a Master in Public Administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government. Clare also holds an honorary Doctor of Laws from Concordia University in Canada, equipping her with a global perspective that has guided her career.
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Her professional trajectory spans both national and international platforms. Clare began as a trade negotiator at the World Trade Organization in Geneva and served as Rwanda’s commercial diplomat in London. Returning to Rwanda, she joined the Rwanda Development Board, rising to lead reforms that enhanced the country’s investment climate, strengthened governance, and attracted global capital. In 2024, she was appointed CEO of NBA Africa, where she now leverages sport as a catalyst for economic and community development across Africa.
Clare’s contributions have earned international recognition. She was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, featured by Forbes among Africa’s Top 20 Young Powerful Women in 2013 and Top 50 Women in 2020, and highlighted as one of the Top 25 Women in Africa by Jeune Afrique. In 2022, she received the Grand Prix from the Choiseul Institute, affirming her influence as a leader in investment, governance, and continental development.
Looking ahead, Clare Akamanzi continues to champion inclusive economic growth, pan‑African collaboration, and institutional innovation. Through strategic leadership and visionary execution, she is shaping a legacy that strengthens African economies, empowers communities, and positions the continent for sustainable global impact.
