The National Basketball Association (NBA) has announced the appointment of Clare Akamanzi as the Chief Executive Officer of NBA Africa, marking a significant stride in the league’s commitment to expanding its global footprint. Akamanzi, a distinguished business executive and international trade and investment lawyer, is set to assume her role on January 23, 2024.
Clare Akamanzi brings a wealth of experience to her new position. Prior to joining the NBA, she served as the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Rwanda Development Board from February 2017 to September 2023. Her tenure at the helm of the Rwanda Development Board was marked by notable achievements, establishing her as a prominent figure in both public administration and business leadership.
The NBA’s decision to appoint Akamanzi underscores the league’s strategic focus on fostering growth and engagement in the African continent. With her extensive background in international trade and investment law, coupled with her success in driving economic development in Rwanda, Akamanzi is poised to play a pivotal role in steering NBA Africa towards new heights.
NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum, expressed enthusiasm about the appointment, stating “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 Africa and the Basketball Africa League are well-positioned for continued growth, and under Clare’s leadership we believe these initiatives will transform economies, communities and lives across the continent.” he said.
Akamanzi’s role as CEO of NBA Africa will involve overseeing the league’s operations, partnerships, and initiatives in the region. The NBA has been actively pursuing opportunities to connect with fans across Africa, and this appointment signals a strategic move to further cultivate the sport’s popularity on the continent.
As the NBA continues to embrace its global appeal, the appointment of Clare Akamanzi reflects a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and tapping into the rich talent pool present in Africa. Basketball enthusiasts and industry stakeholders eagerly await the impact of this new leadership on the growth and development of the sport in the region.
With Clare Akamanzi at the helm, NBA Africa is set to embark on an exciting chapter, bringing the passion and excitement of basketball to new heights across the African continent. The league looks forward to leveraging Akamanzi’s leadership to strengthen its presence and engage with fans in this dynamic and rapidly growing market.
